![Dr Michael Mosley with wife Dr Claire Bailey Mosley](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2024/07/11/TELEMMGLPICT000381101911_17207351535770_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqcFbVwrldgDqLr44SrdFj-pjiYJg1F3Rk-pkgTvIwLgs.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Michael Mosley’s widow speaks of family’s ‘overwhelming’ grief
Dr Claire Bailey Mosley says family trying to put life back together ahead of special day of BBC programmes
![Dr Michael Mosley with wife Dr Claire Bailey Mosley](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2024/07/11/TELEMMGLPICT000381101911_17207351535770_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqcFbVwrldgDqLr44SrdFj-pjiYJg1F3Rk-pkgTvIwLgs.jpeg?imwidth=680)
The widow of TV doctor Michael Mosley has spoken of her “overwhelming” grief following his death on a Greek island.
The broadcaster, who is credited with popularising the intermittent fasting diet, died of natural causes aged 67 after he went missing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi on June 5.
CCTV footage appeared to show the TV doctor falling over close to where his body was found.
His widow, Dr Claire Bailey Mosley said her family are finding it “very hard” to put their lives “back together”.
She said: “We are trying to put our lives back together without Michael and it’s very hard. Not all the time. We can smile and laugh too. As well as comfort each other.
“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.
“While we are learning to live without Michael, he is ever-present through the lives that he touched and the difference he made.”
It comes ahead of a dedicated day on the BBC on Friday that will pay tribute to his long 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.
She continued: “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.”
A day to celebrate Mosley
BBC Radio 4 will be leading the charge on the day, kicking off on the Today programme, which will welcome those who have changed their lives as a result of Mosley’s tips.
She told the programme: “He would have been gobsmacked. He didn’t seek the limelight. He was quite shy, but loved what he did, and was very good at it.”
Dr Bailey Mosley added that she had been left “breathtaken” by the reaction from people across the country and around the world.
She hailed the “incredible” support from their children, saying: “I can’t tell you how much support they’ve given me and joy as well at really difficult times.
“And family and friends, and to be honest just I’m still kind of breath-taken by the response from people around the country, across the world, and it’s just extraordinary.
“He was quite a sort of quiet, humble man, and to have that sort of response is just extraordinary, and I hope we can find some really positive changes going forward.”
Speaking to the Today Programme, Dr Bailey Mosley said: “The response – people really love him, you know ... I’ve got a list of lovely quotes that people say, which are just so touching, and so caring.”
“One of the main things was that people felt they really knew him, that they lived in his kitchen and knew what he was cooking.
“It was very sort of trusting and kind of weirdly intimate.
“It’s just been so uplifting, and I’m so grateful for that. And it’s just so incredible that he has made such a difference to people. I’m so proud of what he’s done.”
Later on Woman’s Hour, host Anita Rani will reflect on the impact the TV doctor has had on her life with a focus on the benefits of exercise.
The Food Programme, Radio 2’s Tina Daheley, 6 Music’s Craig Charles and TV shows Morning Live and The One Show, where Mosley was a regular contributor, will join in celebrating his legacy.