The Voice UK contestant Dean Franklin passed away on Sunday after a tragic battle with oesophageal cancer.
The star, who was mentored by Paloma Faith on the show in 2016, announced last month that he was starting chemotherapy and has died just eight weeks later.
Taking to Facebook, Dean’s family announced the heartbreaking news, writing: ‘I never wanted to share this news with you all so soon…
‘As a family we are truly heartbroken to announce that our precious boy who fought so courageously over 8 weeks and 3 days passed over at 21.39pm last night…
‘He was surrounded by love. I have been getting MSG’s from people this morning and wanted as his ma to manifest my son’s courage to share with you all…
‘As a family we will post in more length when we are able. Until then please know that the love you gave to our Dean and all of us has meant so very much’.
Dean used Instagram to chronicle his journey and was met with support from his metor Paloma and The Voice host Emma Willis.
In the midst of his battle, he shared a tribute to his mother Marie, with an image of the pair crying alongside a caption reading: ‘To my darling mother… I couldn’t have made it through the last four weeks without you.
‘Thank you for holding my hand, calming my fears, and loving me through the hardest days. I love you.’
The singer started a Go Fund Me page last month in a bid to create financial security for his family, in particular his daughter.
The details of the page read: ‘Hi, my name is Dean Franklin. I am a musician, a dad, and I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer…
‘I am about to begin chemotherapy. While this treatment is not curative, it gives me time and the possibility of further options, and I have chosen to go ahead with it…
‘Right now, my focus is on treatment, managing pain, and holding on to the parts of life that matter most to me, especially music and my family…
‘Because I am unable to work and because treatment will be ongoing, I am facing significant financial pressure. This fundraiser is to help ease that burden so I can focus on my health without constant worry…
‘The funds raised will help with: • Day to day living costs during treatment • Reducing financial stress on my family • Planning ahead, including future costs and support for my daughter, who means everything to me…
‘This is not about giving up. It is about giving me peace of mind. Knowing that my daughter will be supported, and that practical worries will not take away from the time I have now…
‘Before treatment begins, I am planning one final busking performance in London. It will be a moment of connection, gratitude, and love for the music and the people who have carried me through my life…
‘Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for supporting in whatever way you can. It truly means more than I can say…
‘If there comes a time when I am unable to update this page myself, my family may share updates on my behalf.’
