Loose Women star Charlene White reveals her father has taken his own life after ‘living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift’

Loose Women star Charlene White revealed her father Denniston has tragically taken his own life and urged her followers to ‘hug their parents close.’

The panellist, 45, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Friday in an emotional statement.

She wrote: ‘Two weeks ago our lives changed forever. Unbeknownst to us, our dad had been living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift. So he made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life. 

‘This despite the fact he lived a life full of love. FULL to the brim. Overflowing in fact. But sometimes the darkness is stronger, and heartbreakingly for all of us, he chose to keep what he was going through to himself. Very typical of dad.

‘So we too have made a choice – his children, step-children, and wife – not to hide the circumstances of our loss. Because hiding emotions and the true depth of our feelings — hurt, pain, shock, grief etc. — helps no-one. Least of all us.

The panellist, 45, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Friday in an emotional statement

Charlene shared this tribute about her father alongside a smiling picture of him 

‘This post will no doubt prompt many of our friends who we haven’t managed to reach out to yet, to contact us. Please don’t be offended by any calls and messages that remain unanswered for now. This kind of grief is new and unexpected and we’re still finding our way.’

She added: ‘Hug your parents close, and always tell them that you love them. Because that’s sort of our job as children, to love them, no matter where the road eventually takes them. Even if they end up taking the hardest most unfathomable path. 

‘But we have each other, and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of brightness and light in everyday without each other to lean on. And the million extended family members, and tribes of friends who’ve held our hearts and our hands over the past two weeks.

‘On Sunday we had the traditional Jamaican nine night, and the ancestors were right – it was the most perfect way to release our grief through food, dancing, drink… and joy, with hundreds of friends and family. All organised by our tribe of friends and family. We’re incredibly blessed.

‘Denniston was an amazing dad, step dad, surrogate dad to many, friend, brother, grandad, uncle, cousin and husband. And we’re all just taking it step by step.

‘From Charlene, Liz, Joshua, Carina, Jade, Gemma, Justin, Soriah, Alfie, Florence, Kairo, Elisha and Shaniya.

‘If you’re reading this and struggling, please talk to someone. Below are helplines, if needed:

‘Samaritans on: 116 123.  CALM: 0800 58 58 58. National Suicide Prevention: 08006895652.’