Grief at death of star’s dad
TRIBUTES have been paid to dedicated mental health campaigner Tom McAlpine, the father of Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine.
Mr McAlpine passed away on Thursday at home, according to the charity he founded.
Tom, whose daughter Jennie plays Fiz in Coronation Street, was chair of Manchester mental health charity Moodswings.
In a post shared on Facebook, representatives from Moodswings said they would be continuing the ‘great work and cause that [Tom] was so passionate about’. The post said: “We are sad to inform you that our beloved chair, Tom McAlpine OBE, passed away peacefully at home yesterday.”
“It is a great shock and to all who knew him a great loss. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
“We will be continuing the great work and cause that he was so passionate about and recognised for. Our groups and activities will continue next week as usual, and details will follow in due course in regards to any arrangements.
“Thank you for your ongoing support.”
Mr McAlpine, originally from Hartlepool, was awarded an OBE in 2012 for his 40 years of service to mental healthcare
His roles include work as a psychiatric social worker, as well as working for various government departments, the police and voluntary agencies.
He was often pictured at charity and social events in Manchester with his daughter Jennie, and he helped her and husband Chris Farr launch their first restaurant Annies together, just off St Ann’s Square, in 2012.