Love Island’s Gabby Allen reveals how her world was turned upside down when her dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer
The reality star is now an ambassador for the charity that cared for her late dad
GABBY Allen recalled her heartache after her dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
The Love Island star - whose father Mike passed away from the disease in 2013 - said her family's "world was turned upside down" after his shattering diagnosis.
Sharing an adorable throwback snap of herself sleeping in her dad's arms as a child, Gabby wrote: "It’s one of those things that you never believe will happen to your family.
"Nothing could ever have prepared us for the year ahead and then the years ahead of that, after losing him. 💔."
The family's nightmare began in February 2012 when property developer Mike had a seizure at the wheel of his transit van on the M62.
Despite doctors originally diagnosing the father-of-two with suspected epilepsy, a later CT scan showed Mike had a large brain tumour.
After a lengthy operation to remove the tumour, the family received more harrowing news when doctors learned Mike had grade four glioblastoma.
Less than a year later, the ex rugby player's health deteriorated and he passed away at a hospice in January 2013.
Since finding fame on Love Island Gabby has used her platform to raise awareness and has become an ambassador for the charity that provided support to her father and her family.
She explained: "Earlier in the year I agreed to be an ambassador for the amazing charity as they were there for my dad and us throughout his fight and afterwards. ❤️"
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"We know only too well that a brain tumour diagnosis turns your world upside down I want to be part of such a work that helps people living with a brain tumour and their families feel less alone, less afraid and more in control.
"It’s an absolute honour to be able to give something back."
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