Gemma Atkinson's heartbreaking move for daughter following sad death

Gemma Atkinson has bravely stated that her family are 'cracking on' after the devastating loss of one of their cherished dogs over the weekend.

The Hits Radio presenter also revealed how she intends to console her four-year-old daughter, whose fifth birthday is looming on July 4. The heart-wrenching news of Norman's passing was shared by Gemma on Sunday, reports Manchester Evening News.

Gemma shared a touching video filled with photos and clips of him from over the years with her, Ollie, her fiancé Gorka, and their two children, Mia and Thiago. "My beautiful boy Norman has passed away. My heart is broken," she expressed.

It comes following fan concerns for the former Strictly star after she disclosed the sudden deterioration of her beloved dog Norman earlier in June.

Gemma recounted the distressing 24 hours with Norman, who she discovered was unable to move. A visit to the vet led to the heartbreaking revelation that there was nothing more they could do.

She sorrowfully admitted that she had begun making arrangements and had shed more tears than ever before during her six-year relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez. However, they were given a glimmer of hope when the vet suggested adjusting Norman's medication.

On Friday, Gemma uploaded a new video of Norman and updated her followers. She began with: "Thank you for checking in re Norm [red heart emoji]. He's not doing too good, to be honest with you all."

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In her heartfelt message revealing the family's devastating loss, Gemma expressed: "2 years ago I made a promise to him that I would always take care of him and never allow him be in pain or to suffer. Had I put off making the hardest decision of my life any longer I would have broken that promise. It's hard to put into words how much Norman changed my life and made it so much better Simply by just being there. Throughout the good and bad experiences the last 12 years he's been there with Ollie making everything ok."

She went on to honour her dearly loved companion, who she credited with giving her the "first experience of being a mum and having someone other than myself to care for". She shared her grief over Mia's loss as well. Concluding her moving post, Gemma said: "I'm going to love you, miss you and remember you forever. Until we meet again Norman... Go and run again and have some fun up there with my dad. You're such a good boy."

The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress was swiftly inundated with a wave of love and support from her celebrity friends and devoted followers. She later returned to her Instagram to express her gratitude for the outpouring of condolences, writing: "Your messages are lovely. Thank you [red heart emoji]. It's been a really hard couple of days. But I know Norman is at peace and has now taken the role of being my guardian angel."

Discussing her daughter, she revealed: "Mia's concern earlier was if he poos in heaven, will it fall on anyone? I had to laugh. I'm trying my hardest to explain to her what's happened and today I posted a card addressed to her from Norman in heaven, explaining he's happy and his legs work and she doesn't need to worry about him. It should arrive on Tues. I'm hoping it helps."

She continued: "Thank you so much to @legacypets who were so incredibly kind, considerate and supportive of our wishes for Norman. He fell asleep peacefully at home on his bed right next to me. Before he left, I placed one of Thiago's dummies under his blanket. He always did love pinching them after all."

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