Ashley Roberts posts touching tribute to her late father on the three year anniversary of his death

Ashley Roberts posted a touching tribute to her late father on the three-year anniversary of his death. 

The singer, 39, lost her beloved father Pat to suicide in 2018, after years of suffering from mental and physical health problems.  

Ashley took to Instagram on Friday to share a throwback childhood snap with her dad as she talked about how her heart is ‘heavy with pain and sadness’.

She penned: ‘It’s been 3 years since you departed this world and as much as I am smiley person, my heart ways heavy with pain and sadness. [sic] 

‘This is a wild world but I wish you could of found more happiness here.

‘The trauma of it all can lead to focusing on the pain that I often forget to focus on the good parts… so I’ll do it here…

‘…I miss your hugs (You would give the best hugs), I miss you drumming – on any surface you could find, your love of watching me dance and your ridiculous sense of humor.

‘I miss you dad. I love knowing that no matter what we will always have the music. I hope you’re jamming your heart out and up there having a wild party!!  

She continued: ‘I struggle with sharing my vulnerability… I feel more comfortable in the bubbly kinda of ‘role’ – but I hope by sharing, it opens up a space for connecting.

‘It’s been a rough couple of years. I’ve lost several humans in my life in a short period of time. But I’ve also gained so much.

‘I live in a amazing country that has been so kind to me, have an amazing job with people I absolutely adore and friendships that I can really count on.’ 

The Pussycat Dolls singer then offered advice to others who are working through their own grief.  

Ashley wrote: ‘For those that are suffering or that are trying to work through loving someone who suffers please know there is support.

‘What has and is helping me work through the trauma is taking therapy, EMDR, dancing, exercise, a great podcast… and realizing which friends I can count on for support.

‘A supportive community is so important. You’re not alone. There is always someone on the other end of a phone call.’

In April 2018, Ashley revealed Pat committed suicide in a heartbreaking Instagram post.  

Admitting that she was in a ‘state of shock and confusion’, Ashley shared the tragic news in an attempt to support fans coping with the death of a loved one.

Ashley explained that it has been a difficult time following her father’s death. She wrote at the time: ‘With great sadness in my heart, I wanted to share with you that on the 19th of March – after a long battle of physical and mental heath – My father took his own life.’

She explained: ‘The past 3.5 weeks I’ve been in a state of shock, confusion, questioning, pain so deep in my guts it’s been hard to come up for air.’

She continued: ‘Feeling like I don’t know how to move forward from here. What am I supposed to do with all this? For now, I sit here with this pain – Inviting it ALL in.’

‘To teach me, to heal me, to rebuild me. If any of you have gone through something similar. I understand and my heart goes out to you… I am grateful for your love and support.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123.