Daughter of Brucie tells of kind MP
Sir Bruce Forsyth’s daughter last night told how her dad and Sir David Amess became friends in 2006 after the MP helped with their pet microchip appeal when her two dogs were stolen.
Debbie Matthews also revealed Amess organised a private Mass for the legendary entertainer at the Palace of Westminster after he died in 2017, and had taken Brucie and wife Wilnelia, 64, to meet the Pope in Rome.
Describing the MP as “kind and thoughtful”, Debbie, 66, said: “They met because I had my dogs Widget and Gizmo stolen and my father and I started a campaign called Vets Get Scanning to get microchips checked at veterinary clinics to reunite sold-on pets.
“Andrew Rosindell MP started an early day motion to get vets checking microchips, and he invited my father and myself to Prime Minister’s Questions and to have lunch in Westminster.
“My father loved politics and was excited at being seated in the hall. During our lunch Sir David introduced himself and offered to help in any way he could, which he did and continued up to just a couple of weeks ago.”
Debbie said she was “absolutely heartbroken” by his death on Friday.
She added: “David was such a kind and generous man. His humour, wit and charm were second to none.
“He was a big supporter on animal welfare issues. He supported our
Vets Get Scanning appeal from the start and latterly the Pet Theft Reform campaigns.
“David organised a private service for my father after he died. He was a true friend to my family and I’ll miss him greatly. Godspeed David, our love and thoughts are with your family.”