Kym Marsh reveals the poignant meaning behind the item she placed inside her late father David's coffin after his death from prostate cancer

Kym Marsh has revealed what item she placed in her late father David's coffin and the poignant reason why, as she opened up on the importance of holding onto memories while grieving.

The former Coronation Street star, 48, was very close with her father who died aged 78 in January, following a battle with prostate cancer.

She revealed that during his funeral she placed a five pound note in his coffin, as a reference to a long running joke the pair shared.

Kym is a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live and David often appeared on the show to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

He became popular with viewers and had long-standing gag with Kym’s co-host Gethin Jones about how he'd frequently ask Kym to 'lend me a fiver' to no avail.

Kym Marsh has revealed what item she placed in her late father David's coffin and the poignant reason why, as she opened up on the importance of holding onto memories while grieving

The former Coronation Street star, 48, was very close with her father who died aged 78 in January, following a battle with prostate cancer (pictured together)

She revealed that during his funeral she placed a five pound note in his coffin, as a reference to a long running joke the pair shared (pictured together in 2020)

Speaking to The Sun, the Hear'Say star explained : 'Every time Dad came on Morning Live, he would say to Gethin, "She’s still not given me that fiver". It was a constant running joke.'

She recalled: 'Shortly after dad passed away, I randomly found a five pound note in my car. I don’t know if people believe in stuff like this but I don’t know how it got there. 

'I put that in the coffin with Dad and I said, "There you go, Dad, I’ve given you your fiver now". Whether you believe in it or not, it’s not wrong to take comfort from something. I found a fiver and I thought, "That’s my dad". 

'It gives you something to hold on to and it gives you hope, all those little reminders. Or sometimes I find myself in a moment and I smile to myself about a memory.It is holding on to those moments which are so important to me.'

David's passing has led Kym and her family to work hard to raise awareness and funds towards charities helping against prostate cancer.

She explained that her son-in-law Mikey Hoszowskyj ran the London Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK in April with 'a fiver in his pocket for Dad'.

David was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer three years ago, and Kym previously said he 'inspires' her on a daily basis.

His death was confirmed in a statement to the PA news agency which said: 'It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of David Marsh.

Kym is a presenter on Morning Live and David often appeared on the show to raise awareness of prostate cancer, where he had long-standing gag with co-host Gethin Jones (pictured)

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'A much loved husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and friend to many, David passed away peacefully at home yesterday surrounded by his family.

'We are truly heartbroken and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time.'

After her father's passing, Kym shared a snap of the pair together on social media and penned a heartfelt tribute.

She wrote: 'For the first time in my life….I have no words. I love you dad. Always and forever. Rest easy Pops. Goodnight godbless.'

Last Father's Day, she also posted a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram, writing: 'Your strength in life has always been immeasurable.

'You tackle everything life throws at you with a smile on your face and always a joke at hand.

'You are the best dad anyone could wish for and I'm so glad you are mine. Here's to you poppa bear! Always your shadow. Love you always and forever.'

During one of David's appearance on BBC's Morning Live in November, he discussed living with prostate cancer.

David was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer three years ago, and Kym previously said he 'inspires' her on a daily basis

After her father's passing, Kym shared a snap of the pair together on social media and penned a heartfelt tribute

He explained: 'It's daily. One day I'm alright and the next I'm bad, you know? That's the way it is now.'

Kym said: 'It really is day by day, you don't know. We plan for things and we are trying to plan and make as many memories aren't we?'

The star said coping with her father's illness had brought her and her siblings closer adding: 'I've got two older brothers and an older sister. Very rare that we all get together but we've all been doing lots together.'

She previously revealed that she is going to bury her late father David's ashes alongside her late son Archie, during an emotional interview on Morning Live.

Kym and her now ex-husband Jamie Lomas were left heartbroken when their son passed away at just 21 weeks following a premature birth in February 2009.

The soap star explained that she and ex Jamie mutually agreed on the burial shortly after the 15th anniversary of Archie's death.

Kym said: 'Archie would have been 15, we've just celebrated his birthday on February 11. When we found out that dad was going to sadly pass away... I had Archie's ashes with me ever since the day that we got them because I always felt like it wasn't the right thing to do [a burial].

She previously revealed that she is going to bury her late father David's ashes alongside her late son Archie, during an emotional interview on Morning Live

Kym and her now ex-husband Jamie Lomas were left heartbroken when their son passed away at just 21 weeks following a premature birth in February 2009 (pictured together in 2009)

'Because I didn't get to know what kind of little boy he was or where he would like to go or what he would have liked to do and because I move around so much, I couldn't really put them anywhere. 

'And we decided both Jamie and I that we would let Archie rest with my dad. So when my dads ashes come back we are going to lay Archie to rest with my dad.'  

As Gethin gushed: 'Your dad will absolutely love that', Kym added: 'Yeah he will, he will indeed. I mean I saw dad at Christmas and Archie was there too, I took him to my daughters at Christmas.

'And my dad said that day, he put his hand on the box and said "Are you ready to go on our journey mate", so dad got a lot of comfort in it and I know now he is up there eating ice cream with him.'