During a terrific sporting weekend one item of news has left me still reeling and that was the announcement that Rob Daley, father of diver Tom, had lost his battle with a brain tumour and had passed away aged just 40 years old.
I can't say I was best friends with Rob or that I even knew him well, but I did know him well enough to have a good natter and share a joke whenever we bumped into each other, the last time being just a couple of months ago when we both watched his son dive in Southend.
Tom I know better and like enormously. His talent is precocious and for such a young and famous man, his feet remain firmly on the ground. See for yourself with any of the filmed interviews with Tom up on Sportsvibe TV, including the latest shot just a few weeks ago.
These are truly desperate times for Tom and his family but the 17-year-old has shown amazing strength of will over the past few years as his Dad has fought against the cancer that finally beat him and I am convinced he will be spurred on even more by the memories of Rob. I hope so.
Tom's been dealt a rough hand. In just over a year he will be going for gold at the London Olympics. Wouldn't it be just wonderful if he emerged victorious, not just for Team GB or his adoring fans, but for himself, his family and most of all for his Dad. I wish you well Tom and yes, I still owe you that creme egg flavoured McFlurry!
