NI TV presenter Gloria Hunniford has thanked those who wished her a happy birthday, but the occasion was tinged with sadness as she also marked the 21st anniversary of her late daughter's passing.
The Portadown woman's daughter Caron Keating passed away from breast cancer on April 13, 2004, aged 41.
Posting on Instagram, the 85-year-old said: "Thank you for all the lovely birthday messages. I had a really lovely time celebrating over a long weekend with friends, family and loved ones.
READ MORE: Gloria Hunniford's sweet nod to family after heartbreaking loss
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"Unbelievably, yesterday also marked the 21st anniversary of my late daughter Caron’s passing and it was therefore so special to spend it with her boys."
One user commented: "Happy Birthday Gloria, thinking of you on Caron's anniversary hard to believe it’s 21 years a beautiful daughter taken too soon."
Another added: "Happy Birthday Gloria. I’m so glad you got to spend time with the boys."
And a third said: "Happy Birthday, Gloria. I can see Caron in her beautiful sons! x."
A further follower said: "Gloria! You’re so motivational for me to keep going in life after all you’ve been through. I admire your hard work after still being on television at 85. Thanks for being the light in a dim world!"
Gloria was recently forced to pull out of filming during the judgement of her magician-themed cake in the recent Celebrity Bake Off episode.
The Loose Women panellist disappeared towards the show's conclusion where presenter Alison Hammond mentioned she was "not feeling very well".
However, the 85-year-star old experienced a "terrible fall" behind the scenes which led to her precautionary hospital visit.
Speaking to the Mirror, she expressed her regret at missing out on the final critique but shared no regrets about participating.
"I had a terrible fall at the end of the programme, so I never got to finish it," Hunniford disclosed.
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