The widow of TV doctor Michael Mosley has told how the family are “trying to put our lives back together” after he died while walking on a Greek island.
Dr Clare Bailey Mosley has shared the tribute on Instagram more than a month after her husband’s body was found on the island of Symi four days after he went missing on 5 June.
CCTV footage appeared to show Dr Mosley, who died of natural causes, falling over close to where his body was found and no one else was with him.
Dr Bailey Mosley has written: “Grief can feel overwhelming. Light and beautiful. Catch you by surprise. Feel like the weight of a stone or a sharp pain. It changes unexpectedly.
“As people often say, it’s a journey, not all sad and you take each day at a time.
“The extraordinary outpouring of grief and gratitude for Michael and how he has changed so many lives is very moving, including the heartfelt thoughts and kindness extended to us as a family, for which we are incredibly grateful.”
Dr Bailey Mosley adds that the family “sincerely hope” they can “share his positive message going forward”.
She continues: “Because while we are learning to live without Michael, he is ever-present through the lives that he touched and the difference he made.”
Dr Bailey Mosley has posted the tribute as the BBC prepares to host “Just One Thing Day” on Friday – named after her husband’s popular BBC Radio 4 podcast where he revealed tips to help improve your health.
She writes in her tribute: “The BBC’s celebration of Michael’s life tomorrow with ‘Just One Thing Day’ is wonderful.
“A day dedicated to the impact he had on people’s lives and to celebrate his legacy within broadcasting and beyond – it’s humbling and delightful all at once. We are so grateful.”
Dr Mosley first trained as a doctor in London before moving into the world of media, becoming a presenter, documentary maker, author and columnist.
He is credited with popularising the 5:2 diet, a form of intermittent fasting, through his book The Fast Diet, and he often pushed his body to extreme lengths during his research into health and wellbeing.
During his career he presented a host of science programmes and films including the BBC series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor, which looked at healthcare in Britain, and hosted BBC Radio 4 podcast Just One Thing.
The TV doctor had left his friends on the Saint Nicholas beach on Symi to go for a walk on the day he disappeared.
His body was found four days later close to a cave complex beside Agia Marina on Symi, around 10m from the sea, and did not appear to show any signs of injury, the mayor of Symi Lefteris Papakalodoukas told Sky News.
The mayor said the body appeared to have fallen down a steep slope, stopping against a fence and lying face-up with a few rocks on top of it.
BBC Radio 4 will be leading the charge on “Just One Thing Day” on Friday, kicking off on the Today show, which will welcome those who have changed their lives as a result of Dr Mosley’s tips.
Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2’s Tina Daheley and 6 Music’s Craig Charles will both get involved with one thing to improve their own wellbeing and BBC Radio 1 will also mark the day.
TV shows Morning Live and The One Show, where Mosley was a regular contributor, will join in celebrating his legacy.