At the recent British Podcast Awards, a poignant moment unfolded when Dr. Michael Mosley’s wife, Clare Bailey, accepted a prestigious Hall of Fame award on his behalf.
The event was bittersweet as Clare expressed her heartfelt wish that her late husband could have been there to share in the celebration.
Remembering a Beloved Figure
Dr. Mosley, a well-known TV doctor and columnist for the Mail, tragically passed away on June 9.
His body was discovered near a fence at the Agla Maria resort, just a short distance from safety.
Four days earlier, he had informed Clare that he was going for a walk during their holiday on the Greek island of Symi.
An autopsy later confirmed that he died of natural causes approximately two and a half hours after he left.
Clare’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Clare, a general practitioner who was married to Michael for nearly four decades, took to the stage to read a moving tribute to her husband.
“Firstly, I wish more than anything that Michael was here himself to be collecting this award,” she said.
She highlighted his remarkable ability to find the right words and expressed her hope that she could honor his memory in her speech.
Clare emphasized how much Michael cherished his podcast, Just One Thing, and how it truly connected with listeners.
“He loved the simplicity of the format and the chance to genuinely help people,” she shared.
A Legacy of Kindness
Reflecting on the overwhelming support her family has received since Michael’s passing, Clare mentioned how it was clear that audiences loved Michael not just for his podcast but for his warmth and kindness.
“He was genuinely a caring person,” she remarked, noting that listeners were drawn to his authenticity.
Clare expressed gratitude for the countless messages and letters that have brought comfort during their time of grief.
A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
As she concluded her heartfelt address, Clare stated that the award would have meant a great deal to Michael.
She praised the team at BBC Sounds for helping elevate his podcast to one that resonated deeply with people.
Clare’s final words were a poignant reminder: “Life can be shorter than you ever imagine, so if there’s one thing you do today, hug your loved ones, tell them they are loved, and never take time for granted.”
Honoring His Impact
Michael Mosley was well known for popularizing the 5:2 diet through his book The Fast Diet and for his engaging BBC documentaries, including Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.
In July, the BBC paid tribute to him with a special day dedicated to his legacy, encouraging people to improve their well-being by doing “just one thing.”
They also released a special feature titled Michael Mosley: The Doctor Who Changed Britain, alongside an episode of Just One Thing celebrating his life and career.
Investigating the Circumstances
The coroner’s initial investigation found no evidence of foul play surrounding Dr. Mosley’s death.
With temperatures soaring near 40°C that day, the heat is believed to have played a significant role.
Footage captured just before his disappearance shows him pausing by a perimeter wall before losing his balance.
While the route he took should have taken only five minutes, it appeared he wandered for about twenty minutes before going out of sight.
An inquest into the circumstances of his death, at the age of 67, is set to take place in Buckinghamshire this November.