This Morning remembers Denise Robertson with a touching tribute one year after she died from cancer

THIS Morning paid tribute to popular agony aunt Denise Robertson on the first anniversary of her death from pancreatic cancer.

On Friday's show, hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes introduced a touching video which included words from the nurses of The Royal Marsden Hospital where Denise was looked after.

Helen Johns, Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: "Her warmth, her empathy, her enthusiasm and helping others were shown when she was a patient here."

Perrie Luke, Clinical Nurse Specialist, added: "Even when things were really really tough it didn't seem to get her down. She would always concentrate on the positives. She would always smile and say hello and always ask after everybody."

Caroline Spence, Denise's great niece, works at the hospital and told how her colleagues were "amazing" with Denise during her four week stay.

She was full of praise for her aunt, describing her as "great in more ways than one."

The nurse said: "She was compassionate, she was strong-willed, she was so wise and she was just a loving person."

Jonathan Spence, Denise's great nephew, spoke beside Caroline and revealed he will be running the London Marathon this year to raise money for the hospital.

Following the clip, Denise's son Mark spoke with Ruth and Eamonn in the studio. When asked how it felt watching his mum back on screen, he said: "It's difficult, but I'm very glad those things are there."

He finished off the segment by thanking This Morning and its viewers, becoming teary when he said: "The love that was shown when mum died was a big thing."

Denise's death was announced by the show last year in a statement which read: “Such sad

news – our friend and colleague Denise Robertson has lost her short but determined battle against cancer.

“Please share your memories of her here. We are working on a special programme reflecting her work and achievements including many of your messages of condolence.”

Ruth broke the initial news of the illness, reading out a statement from Denise explaining that she would be stepping back from her role as the show’s agony aunt to battle the disease.

She said: “I’m sorry I’ve not been around for a couple of weeks but a persistent health issue has turned into something quite a lot bigger.

“I’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“It has come as a surprise to me and my family but we know that many
others have suffered and dealt with this condition and I don’t plan to give
up without a fight.