Denise Welch plans to work less so she can “enjoy herself” more.
Denise Welch wants to enjoy life more
The former ‘Hollyoaks’ actress admitted the death of her beloved dad Vin last September has changed her perspective on things and she’s determined to live life to the full.
She told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "When I lost my dad, it changed my perspective on things. I decided I didn’t have a very good work/life balance.
"My dad was somebody who filled every single minute of his 84 years. I want to carry on that family tradition.
"I just want to enjoy myself. I’m 64 for God’s sake."
The ‘Loose Women’ star is planning to see more of the world with her husband, Lincoln Townley.
She added: "We are not letting the travel industry disaster stop us from at least giving it a go.
"We’ve been to various countries already this year and we plan to go to more."
While it has been 10 months since she lost her father to pneumonia, Denise is still “blindsided” by grief.
She said: "My dad was my best friend. We weren’t ready for him to go. I don’t think I’ve ever missed anybody so much.
"It has been months since he died, but grief can blindside you. I spoke to my son about him the other day and we were both crying.
"Every single day we see something and say, ‘Oh my God, Dad would have loved this’. So he’s very much still with us."
But she has been cheered by messages of support from fans, who used to enjoy Vin’s occasional appearances on ‘Loose Women’.
She said: "People have been so wonderful. A lot of viewers felt like they knew him. He was such a character.
"I have had so many messages from people who have lost parents. I got loads on Father’s Day."
Denise urged people to stay in contact with their parents while they still can.
She said: “While you’ve got your mum and dad, include them in everything. Ring them more than once every two weeks.
"And never be afraid to say that you love them."
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