Heartbroken Nicky Campbell pays tribute to WWII hero mum as she dies aged 96

Nicky Campbell has spoken of his heartbreak after his elderly mum died this week at the age of 96.

Sheila Campbell, who worked as a radar operator during World War II, passed away on Tuesday, having adopted Nicky along with her husband Frank Campbell when he was a newborn baby.

Taking to Twitter to pay tribute, the broadcaster wrote: “My mum Sheila died yesterday at 96. We made a BBC programme together about her service as a radar operator and she was immensely proud of her role on D Day.

“Her life’s work was as a social worker helping others. The day she and Dad adopted me was the day I won the lottery. She doted on her grandchildren and my girls completely adored her. Everyone did.”

He added: “I am so lucky and proud to have had her as my mum and we will miss her more than we can ever express. She was my adoptive mum. She was my real mum.”

Sheila had appeared on Nicky’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, in which he explored the roots of his adoptive Scottish family.

Nicky had been born to an unmarried Irish mother, who travelled to the UK to give birth but was unable to care for the boy.

Sheila and Frank adopted him at just a few days old and cared for him as he grew up.

Frank sadly died in 1996, with Sheila going on for 23 more years without her husband.

Speaking in WDYTYA, Nicky said he was thankful for his parents and paid tribute to his late dad.

“I’m so proud of this extraordinary family I was adopted into. All the stories I’ve heard somehow all contributed to making my dad the most wonderful dad that I could have had,” he said.

“I’ve come to understand more about his father and his relationship with him. It couldn’t have been for me more fascinating, revealing and enlightening. A family of which I am so proud and a dad of which I’m so proud. I just wish he were here to share it.”