SNOOKER ACE’S TROUBLES OVER
TRAGIC snooker legend Willie Thorne had the comfort of knowing he patched things up with his family before he died.
The troubled star, 66, lost a three-month battle with leukaemia on Wednesday.
But he had made his peace with wife Jill Saxby and his step-children James and Natalie.
Former Miss Great Britain Jill split from bankrupt Willie last year as he was overcome by his gambling addiction and depression.
A pal said: “After Willie and Jill separated her children fell out with him. They weren’t happy with the way their mum was treated.”
Jill said: “We still loved each other. We texted or spoke to each other every day – particularly when he became poorly.
“Despite the turmoil we loved each other very much for 24 years. It’s so sad. But he can now rest in peace.”
James posted on Facebook: “Although we didn’t always see eye to eye the last few years, we all had some absolutely amazing times. There was a lot that was unsaid and not settled but I know deep down that we both loved each other very much.”
As well as his stepkids, Leicester-born Willie had three children – twin sons, Tristan and Kieran, and a daughter, Tahli, with first wife Fiona Walker. Willie and Jill moved to Villamartin in Spain last year after years of financial troubles including him gambling away £1million. He had fought prostate cancer and had been through chemotherapy and three blood transfusions. Willie was rushed back to hospital last week when his blood pressure fell too low and he was put in an induced coma.
A service will be held for the snooker star at La Zenia new church in Orihuela Costa on Wednesday. Money given for his medical treatment will pay for the service and his funeral.