The actress, known for her roles in Game of Thrones and Gentleman Jack, has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother on the anniversary of her passing.
Gemma Whelan, 45, revealed that her mother, Sue, died while on holiday abroad a year ago, leaving the family devastated. The actress described the loss as a "catastrophic shock" and admitted that she is still struggling to come to terms with the sudden death.
In a poignant Instagram post, Whelan wrote about the profound loneliness and solitude that can accompany a sudden and tragic loss. She acknowledged that grief is different for everyone and expressed her desire to let others know that they are not alone in their pain.
Whelan, a mother of two, shared that the past year has been incredibly difficult, but she has found solace in her close relationships with friends and family. She described the experience of trying to move forward while still grieving as "b*dy awful" but also acknowledged that she is happy and fulfilled most of the time.
The actress also shared a personal anecdote about continuing to call her mother's phone number, even though she knows she won't answer, and taking pictures thinking her mother would love them. Whelan ended her tribute by expressing her love and appreciation for her mother, who she described as "mighty" and a "rebel" at heart.
The post was accompanied by a serene photo of a lake, where some of Whelan's mother's ashes are scattered. The actress wrote that the rest of her mother's ashes will be scattered in a river in the Lake District, as per her mother's wishes.
