Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas’ wife dies of cancer

Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas’ wife has died just three days after being diagnosed with cancer.

The former Blue Peter presenter said he was “crushed with indescribable pain” following the death of his 40-year-old wife Gemma.

“Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends.

“If you are a prayer – pray for my boy Ethan. 8yrs, precious and in bits. Thank you.”

Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive and rare form of blood cancer.

The symptoms of AML usually develop over a few weeks and become more severe. It affects some 2,600 people in Britain each year.

Simon left Blue Peter for Sky Sports in 2005 and has worked on its news channel and most recently presenting live Premier League coverage.