Yahoo News Gorka Marquez shares emotional 'endless joy' update after daughter's heartbreaking birthday request and first with son
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez shared an emotional update after the 'joy' of seeing his daughter celebrate her birthday following a tough week for his family.
The dancer's fiancée Gemma Atkinson confirmed the loss of the family's beloved dog, Norman, over the weekend. She posted a moving video featuring pictures and clips of him from over the years with her and fellow dog Ollie, as well as Gorka and their two children, Mia and Thiago.
Alongside the moving post, she wrote: "My beautiful boy Norman has passed away. My heart is broken." Gemma, 39, also shared her sadness at her daughter, Mia, having to suffer the loss as well, especially so close to her fifth birthday on Thursday (July 5).
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But as the birthday girl's own day rolled around, both Gemma and Gorka, 33, were keen to keep things as normal as possible and were seen making the most of the celebrations.
Gemma shared a sweet video of her and Gorka, alongside their 11-month-old son Thiago, singing happy birthday to Mia as they presented her with a gorgeous pink cake that had been decorated with flowers and butterflies. "Famila," she captioned the sweet video on her Instagram Story with a red heart.
However, as Mia's day came to an end, she seemingly had a debrief with her mum - and her words broke her heart. Gemma said: "Thought I'd got through today cry free but Mia just told me in bed she's had a really good birthday but her best present ever would have been if Norman came home."
Gorka, meanwhile, took to his own social media account on Friday (July 5) to reflect on his daughter's special day. He shared a picture of her in their Greater Manchester home, surrounded by gifts and a pink '5' balloon.
Alongside the post, the Strictly Come Dancing star wrote in view of his 956,000 followers: "Can't believe she is 5 already [face holding back tears emoji]. I could just stand watching her having the BEST day ever. The joy that she has, and the joy she brings us, is endless," (sic).
He also shared a follow-up post in which Thiago, known as Tio for short, could be seen getting involved with some of the present opening ahead of his first birthday, with Gorka joking he was getting some practice in as he turns one on July 17.
It comes after Gorka and Gemma were all smiles as they experience a first with their son. While Mia was at school on her birthday, the pair headed off on some last-minute errands as well as getting Thiago's hair cut for the first time.
Sharing an adorable picture of him on Gorka's knee in the barber's chair, he wrote: "Thiago's first hair cut and of course done by the BEST @rossparlane. Not sure who enjoyed it more, Tio or us."
