18 June 2024 , 17:55
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Joe Swash says he stayed silent on social media on Father's Day because he is still heartbroken by the death of his dad.
Ricky Swash passed away when Joe was just 12-years-old, and despite being fit and healthy, the 39-year-old dad had been living with an undiagnosed heart condition Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. Young Joe heard his mum's desperate screams for help one Saturday morning and raced into his parents' bedroom to find out what was wrong.
His father was unconscious but still breathing and despite being in a state of panic, Joe managed to call 999 for an ambulance. Just two hours later had to give Joe the devastating news that Ricky had passed away, leaving his son heartbroken.
He decided not to post on Sunday and but alongside a carousel of photos of himself, his dad and their family, Joe wrote today: "Some people have asked about my dad over Father's Day and why I didn't post. I lost my dad when I was 12 and it's still something I haven't quite got over still. BUT this is my dad Ricky! The BEST DAD EVER!!"
The actor is still heartbroken by the death of his father Ricky (Instagram/ @joeswash)
Joe took his time and uploaded a sweet tribute a few days later (Instagram/ @joeswash)Joe spoke about that harrowing day a few years ago. He said: "I ran outside and screamed for a neighbour to help, then I was whisked away. It was so traumatic because he seemed really healthy. He was slim and ran three times a week. He’d done a half marathon."
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The former I'm A Celebrity star, dad to three children with Stacey Solomon; Rex, Rose and Belle, and son Harry from a previous relationship, went on to say: "Looking back there was a little warning sign when he blacked out as he was bending down to put his socks on but nothing to suggest he was going to have a heart attack."
His wife Stacey touched upon Joe's pain on Loose Women in 2020. She explained: "It is a trauma and I am always surprised that people are surprised that you grieve forever. Joe lost his dad when he was 12 and it had a fundamental impact on his life, especially when huge life events happen - even if they are really positive."
After posting in the days after Father's Day, Joe's family were quick to support him in the comments. Stacey and father-in-law David Solomon both wrote sweet messages with his wife saying: "Best dads make the best dads. To the moon and back, Joe. X'. Her father David put: "Wish I could have met him my Dad also died when I was 11. We don’t get over it, we just become the best Dads."