Vanessa Bauer's dad has died.
Vanessa Bauer
The 'Dancing on Ice' pro skater is "hurting so much" following the passing of her father from cancer, and she has paid tribute to him and vowed to "dream bigger, work harder and find happiness" as he always wanted her to.
She wrote on Instagram: "Last week I lost my dad. It hurts so much but dad always wanted us to chase our dreams and goals and never get distracted from how difficult things were at home - for the past 6 years...
I didn’t speak about what we were going through since seeing us fulfil our dreams gave my dad strength while battling one therapy after another..
He was in pain but he was ready to fight, he certainly wasn’t ready to leave, at all.
My dad wanted to meet the man that I marry; he wanted to be a grandpa, explore the world in a campervan, see my brother graduate from uni and get old with my mom.
No one loved filming my rollerskating videos as much as my dad did...
I wanted you longer in my life but don’t worry dad, I’ll stop crying and continue to dream bigger, work harder and find happiness like you always wanted us to.
Cancer sucks but we’ve experienced big steps in modern cancer treatments thanks to cancer research.
Cancer causes, courses, therapies etc are so different and complex. I’m not a doctor but I know that our lifestyle choices can prevent some types of cancer so I’ll keep encouraging you to take care of your body as you only have one.
Dad always dreamed, ‘one day there will be some sort of vaccine for cancer’.
So here is my THANK YOU to the scientists, doctors and supporters for their work to eventually beat cancer. (sic)"
Vanessa admitted she will "always think" about her father, and has encouraged others to "enjoy" their lives.
She added: "I’ll always think of you, dad, and I know you’re watching while I continue to do my thing so you can be happy for us.
Dennis and I will take care of mum.
Life’s so precious guys. Enjoy every bit of the ride (sic)"