England Ashes legend Michael Vaughan has shared a moving tribute to his late father after rushing home from Australia to be with him in his final moments.
Vaughan, 51, had been working as a pundit and recording the Stick to Cricket podcast during the Ashes when he realised he had to return to England.
His father, Graham, has died following a battle with cancer.
Vaughan, who lifted the urn in 2005 as England captain, shared several photos on Instagram and wrote: ‘With a heavy heart and tears rolling down my cheek as I type, yesterday we said goodbye to my hero, my mentor, my best pal and most importantly the greatest DAD anyone could ever want.
‘He left us peacefully and in no pain in my brother’s arms to a standing ovation.
‘I am just so blessed to have made it home to spend the most special 30 hours lying next to him talking/crying and as always with Dad laughing.
‘He really has had an incredible zest for life and making sure he lives his but more importantly encouraged all around him to do the same. That’s exactly what we are all going to do in his honour.
‘I have so many people to say thanks but none more than my bother David who has been a rock for Mum and Dad this last few weeks. I love you so much Dave.
‘Also Dave’s wife Caroline for doing so much for them this last few weeks xxx the team at Weston Park Cancer Centre in Sheffield have been incredible to Dad and finally to where he peacefully said goodbye.
‘You are where he wanted to announce his innings was over but I can’t thank you all enough for sorting it at such short notice. RIP DAD. We all love you so much and you are going to be hugely missed but your legacy will last forever xxx Love ya Dad.’
Vaughan shared five photos of his dad, including two selfies with him while he was in his bed.
He received an outpouring of love in the comments from football and cricket icons such as Gary Neville, Kevin Pietersen, and Monty Panesar.
Jackson Warne, son of Shane Warne who died in 2022, also commented, as did Piers Morgan.
David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd commented: ‘Such a wonderful man has left us… I hope in your grief you can celebrate the great times you all had together.’
It has been a hard month for Vaughan. He recently revealed that he was ‘he was ‘locked in a restaurant’ in Bondi during the terror attack on Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were shot and killed.
