• Diving

Father of diver Tom Daley passes away

ESPN staff
May 28, 2011
Tom Daley with his parents, Debbie and Rob, in 2008 © Getty Images
Enlarge

The father of British Olympic diver Tom Daley has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Rob Daley died on Friday evening at the age of 40, after a long fight with the illness. His health had been fluctuating ever since a brain tumour was discovered to have returned in February.

A British Swimming statement read: "Tom Daley's father, Rob Daley lost his battle with cancer yesterday, 27 May, at 9.35pm.

"Rob, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006, passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

"The family have asked for respect to their privacy during this very difficult period."

Rob was a vocal supporter of his 17-year-old son's diving career, putting his electrician's business to one side in order to support Tom in competitions around the world - including when he became England's first individual diving world champion in Rome in 2009 while still only 15.

He was unable to travel to India to see his son pick up double Commonwealth gold in Delhi last year due to ill health, however, but was congratulating Tom on his success by phone within minutes of his successes - a reminder of their close bond.

Tom later posted on Twitter: "If I could be half the dad that my dad was to me then that would be my best achievement! I love you! Xx"

Rob leaves his wife Debbie and three sons, Tom, William and Ben.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices