Gemma Collins has shared a childhood photo of her with her parents as she reflected on the importance of family while her parents battle coronavirus.
The Towie star, 39, shared a photo of her and her brother, Russell, with their mum and dad, Joan and Alan, who have been ill with Covid-19.
She wrote alongside it: ‘Your family are the best team you can have. Sending so much love hope and faith to everyone right now.’
It comes after Gemma revealed that both of her parents had come down with coronavirus just before Christmas, and her dad had to be hospitalised.
She urged her followers to take the pandemic seriously, saying: ‘Please please please take notice of the guidelines!
‘Both my parents are extremely unwell with Covid 19! Seeing my dad cry which he never does! Was a shock and say he would rather be dead then experience everything he is going through right now…
Provider: Gemma Collins/Instagram
‘This has totally wiped him out and it’s heartbreaking. My mum also is extremely extremely unwell with Covid also, this is real!
‘And please please take notice and keep your loved ones SAFE. It really is petrifying. What a difference a year makes.’
In another update, Gemma added: ‘I’m so scared right now my dad is so unwell I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime.
Provider: Gemma Collins/Instagram
‘Covid is so scary laying next to my dad holding his hand right now. I am showing you this to create awareness of how real Covid is.’
Gemma had also thanked medics for looking after her dad, adding: ‘The doctors and nurses at QUEENS HOSPITAL have been FANTASTIC ! They really are HEROS.
‘DAD is in the best place right now THANK YOU @nhsenglandand THANK YOU for all your well wishes, this is scary and real ! Do not underestimate this virus.’
Fans were quick to send their well-wishes to Gemma and her parents, as well as their hopes for a swift recovery for Joan and Alan.
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MORE : Gemma Collins praises NHS workers as her dad continues battling coronavirus in hospital
MORE : Gemma Collins reveals her father is in hospital fighting coronavirus
