The Voice UK singer Dean Franklin dies just eight weeks after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and telling fans of his 'unbearable' pain
A singer and reality TV star has died of cancer, just eight weeks after being diagnosed.
The Voice UK contestant Dean Franklin died on Sunday (February 8), after a two month battle with oesophageal cancer. He was 36.
The star, who was mentored by Paloma Faith on the then BBC show in 2016, told his fans just eight weeks ago that he was starting chemotherapy. He leaves behind his family, including his 17-year-old daughter.
His death was announced on social media by his mum, Marie, yesterday (Monday February 9). Writing on Facebook, she said: “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 (messages) 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 spoke candidly about his cancer battle on his Instagram page and received lots of support from fans, as well as from his mentor Paloma and The Voice host Emma Willis.
Emma previously wrote: “Sending you so much love Dean”, while Paloma wrote: “You are so brave”, to which Dean replied: “Thank you for the love, P. I’m holding onto every bit of it right now”.
S Club 7 star Jo O’Meara was also among those who previously sent well-wishes. “Sending you love and strength,” she said.
In his last post from just one week, Dean wrote about the pain he was experiencing. He wrote: “The liver pain has been honestly unbearable, especially throughout the night. I’m hoping tonight’s a breakthrough.”
In the middle of his battle, he wrote about his mum Marie and shared a photo of the pair looking emotional and embracing each other 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.” In the comments, Marie wrote: “My son, my heart, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, love you Son”.
The singer started a GoFundMe page last month in a bid to create financial security for his family, especially his daughter.
On the page, he wrote: “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...
He said the funds raised would help with day-to-day living costs during his treatment, reducing financial stress on his family, planning ahead, including future costs and support for his daughter. He added that his child “meant everything to him.”
He concluded: “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...”
At the time of writing, more than £32,000 has been raised towards a £35,000 goal. After news of Dean’s death was announced, his friend Erin Morgan donated £500 and wrote a message of condolence. “Night night, my lush friend; never stop singing, for I know you have your mic in hand wherever you are. My life is forever changed since meeting you, and I'm so privileged to have known you. Fly high, Dean, and be the brightest star in the sky you were always born to be,” she said.
Last month, street performer Dean performed for the last time in London’s Piccadilly Circus.
The late music artist gained recogniyion on the show when he performed his rendition of The Eton Rifles by Kelly Jones and Paul Weller during the blind audition.
Following his passing, representatives for Heartburn Cancer Charity UK said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Dean Franklin. ‘Dean was taken far too young by oesophageal cancer, and at a shocking speed.
‘Despite everything he was facing, Dean showed incredible strength and a clear wish to raise awareness, so that others might be helped through his experience.’