Gerry and Christine Anderson.
The wife of the Gerry Anderson has paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as a “loving, caring man.”
Christine Anderson was speaking ahead of a memorial concert to be held in his honour next Tuesday, on what would have been his 70th birthday.
The popular BBC Northern Ireland radio and television presenter, from Derry, died on 21 August last after a long battle with illness.
Speaking ahead of “Remembering Gerry: An Evening of Music,” Christine Anderson said she and her family had been “overwhelmed” by many letters and messages of good will and support.
She added: “Gerry endured a difficult two years struggling with the illness which eventually claimed his life. During that time, he showed a dignity, strength and courage that was an inspiration to us all, often carrying our family when we felt unable to cope.
“We were sustained as a family by the support of family and friends who helped us through the most awful time of our lives.
“However, nothing could have prepared us for the huge outpouring of grief and love which we have experienced since Gerry passed away on August 21 this year.
“While we always knew Gerry was hugely popular, I don’t think he fully realised how much he touched people’s lives.
The late Gerry Anderson: “a loving, caring man.”
“Gerry loved people; he was at his happiest as a daily guest in the lives and homes of the people of Northern Ireland. We knew he had a special connection with his audience. However, since he died we have been constantly surprised at the stories and accounts of how strong that connection was.
“My Gerry was a lovely, caring man. He cared about people. Through the very many messages we have received since he died, I have come to realise that people truly loved him as well.
“I have learned of things he did quietly to help strangers who contacted him on his radio programme. I have heard of quiet hospital visits to sick listeners when their families called and of many other things that he did away from the glare of publicity. That really was the true measure of Gerry.
“We as a family have always loved Gerry and we have been devastated by his passing. However, our profound grief is tempered by a pride which grows daily as we hear of the decency, generosity and honesty with which he engaged with people.
“As a music lover, Gerry would have delighted in next week’s concert and the other broadcast tributes which have been planned.”
She concluded: “I hope that all the people who have been so pained by his premature death can draw strength from his memory as we as a family do.”
A host of artists and bands who featured on Gerry’s show will play at the special two-hour concert to be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle from 8.00pm on Tuesday next.
Gerry Kelly will introduce the star-studded line-up that will include actress and singer Bronagh Gallagher, Best Boy Grip, Sean Donnelly, soprano Margaret Keys, Anthony Toner, The Henry Girls, Kieran Goss, The Mighty Mojos and Paul Casey.
As well as performing some of their most recognised tracks, the artists will also be recalling their own memories and anecdotes about Gerry and the influence he had in their music and careers.
Tags:
