EastEnders' Dean Gaffney has said he will 'haunted forever' after finding beloved mother Marion dead last year following a sudden heart attack.
The actor, 46, who played Robbie Jackson in the soap, took to Instagram to mark 12-months since her passing, as he paid tribute and said the tragic discovery the 'worst thing' that has ever happened to him.
Dean explained he was picking his mother up from her home for their regular Sunday lunch when he found her unresponsive .
Alongside a photo of Marion the actor shared a lengthy post and explained how the loss had made him realise how fragile life could be.
Writing: 'So, a year ago today, the worst thing happened to me. Whilst it’s the one inevitable thing in life losing a parent, when it happens, oh wow'.
EastEnders' Dean Gaffney, 46, has said he will 'haunted forever' after finding beloved mother Marion dead last yearfollowing a sudden heart attack
The actor took to Instagram to mark 12-months since her passing, as he paid tribute and said the tragic discovery the 'worst thing' that has ever happened to him
Dean explained how he was picking his mother up from her home for their regular Sunday lunch when he found her unresponsive
'Nothing prepared me for going to pick my mum up for a routine Sunday roast and finding her passed away. What I saw shall remain private, but it will haunt me forever. Sudden heart attacks are a thing. One day you can be here, the next gone, literally simple as that'.
'I am not one to share my grief on social media. However, I just wanted to say it’s been a tough year for me and maybe I’ve done things uncharacteristically. Grief hits in many ways.'
'Mum, the legacy you have left behind is what gets me out of bed every day. You touched peoples hearts and you were selfless to the end.
Before adding: 'We will raise a glass to you today. I love and miss you today, tomorrow and forever'.
Famous friends including fellow soap stars rushed to the comments section to send Dean their best wishes as well as words of comfort.
His onscreen sister Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, wrote: 'Love you so much'.
While Tamzin Outhwaite, Charlie Books, Danny Dyer, and Jake Wood all posted red heart emojis in sympathy.
Terri Dwyer commented: 'I'm so sorry for your loss Dean, so very sad'.
Alongside a photo of Marion he shared a lengthy post and explained how the loss had made him realise how fragile life could be
Writing: 'So, a year ago today, the worst thing happened to me. Whilst it’s the one inevitable thing in life losing a parent, when it happens, oh wow'
Famous friends including fellow soap stars rushed to the comments section to send Dean their best wishes as well as words of comfort
Gemma Bissex said: 'Oh Dean sending so much love to you my friend'.
While Corrie's Andy Whyment wrote: 'Sending love mate'.
And Emmerdale's Danny Miller added: 'Sending all my love my friend. Love you brother'.
Darren Day commented: 'sending love Mate'
Last year Dean took to Instagram to break the news after finding Marion 'asleep'.
Alongside a photo of himself and his mum, he wrote: 'I am simply broken to share that my beautiful selfless mother Marian has sadly passed away.
'I was, am and always will be a mummy's boy so this news has completely floored me. I spoke to her every day and in some ways I'm glad I'm the one that found her asleep.
Dean continued: 'I will retain all the amazing memories that we shared and whilst I understand the circle of life means everyone will feel this pain at some point in their lives, life can be very cruel at times.
'To know I willnever be able to physically see or speak to her ever again is beyond any pain I've ever experienced in my life.
'We all tell our parents and loved ones we love them flippantly at the end of a phone call but please tell them you actually really love them… put down that phone when you're with them, as my mums only criticism of me was that I would be on my phone when in her company. Life really does change from one minute to the next.
He added: 'I truly love you Mum, you don't only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart.
'For anyone that knew her, I don't need to remind you of who my mum was as a person for others that don't, she was the most amazing selfless, caring, generous soul to ever walk the earth. Mum, I truly love you.
