Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure was left heartbroken after the death of a close school friend, saying: “It’s a devastating time.”
Tyrone Wayland Pinnock died from cancer just weeks before the new series of the hit cop show.
TV favourite Vicky, who plays Detective Inspector Kate Fleming, attended his funeral and later posted an emotional plea to fans to donate to charity.
The star, 35, said: “We went to school together. He was by far one of the kindest, funniest, the most caring guy you could wish to know and for his family and friends it’s a devastating time.
“We must keep funding the wonderful people that give invaluable support, care and compassion to those battling and their families.
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“From the bottom of my heart, thank you in advance for any donation you can give. And for those of you who didn’t know Ty, you do now. Lucky you! That smile is hard to forget. Rest easy Ty.”
Tyrone, who went to school with Vicky in Nottingham, died aged 35. He had a progressive brain tumour and was diagnosed with haemophilia as a baby.
His sister Ebony Laws said: “I met Vicky at Ty’s funeral. She was very comforting. They had been very friendly and stayed in contact.
“She was gutted and came to pay her respects. She was devastated too.”
Ty was one of five siblings and had a 12-year-old daughter with wife Serena, who said: “We’re aware of Vicky’s support and we’re grateful.
“Ty was a private person and didn’t want to talk publicly about his journey.”
Vicky has raised money for various charities and is a keen backer of the Alzheimer’s Society, following her gran’s diagnosis.
Donate or read more about Tyrone’s battle at this page
