TOMMY WALSH’S FINAL ACT OF KINDNESS: MARTIN ROBERTS REVEALS HOW THE LATE TV LEGEND GAVE HIS DISABLED COUSIN A DAY HE WOULD NEVER FORGET

As Britain mourns the death of beloved Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh at 69, his former Homes Under the Hammer co-star Martin Roberts has shared a deeply personal memory that reveals the extraordinary kindness behind the television personality.

The news of Tommy Walsh’s death has left fans and colleagues across Britain heartbroken. Best known for his work on the BBC gardening programme Ground Force, the much-loved builder and television presenter died peacefully at the age of 69 following a long illness.

But amid the tributes celebrating his decades-long television career, one story shared by Martin Roberts has touched countless hearts.

It was not about television ratings, celebrity appearances or professional achievements. Instead, it was about something Tommy did for a family member of his friend — an act of generosity that had remained a treasured memory for 15 years.

A DAY THAT MEANT THE WORLD TO MARTIN’S COUSIN

Martin Roberts, the familiar face of BBC property programme Homes Under the Hammer, took to social media following the announcement of Tommy’s death to share a personal experience that had stayed with him for more than a decade.

In his heartfelt tribute, Martin revealed that approximately 15 years ago, Tommy gave up an entire day of his time, without asking for payment, to help build a shed for Martin’s disabled cousin, Harry.

Harry was a huge admirer of Tommy and idolised the television personality.

Rather than simply acknowledging his young fan, Tommy went a step further. He devoted his time and practical skills to helping Harry, turning what could have been an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience.

Martin revealed that even 15 years later, Harry still talks about that special day.

For Martin, this small but deeply meaningful gesture said everything about the man Tommy was away from the television cameras.

Remembering his friend, Martin wrote:

“I am so, so very sad to hear that my friend and colleague Tommy Walsh has just passed away. Fifteen years ago gave up a day of his time for free to help build a shed for my disabled cousin, who idolised him. Harry still talks about that day.

“But it’s just one example of the huge heart of this mountain of a man, who will be very dearly missed. Heaven’s waiting room is currently having a makeover. God bless you, Tommy.”

It was a simple act of kindness, but its impact lasted far longer than the day itself.

For Harry, it became a memory worth holding onto for the rest of his life. And for Martin, it was a reminder that the qualities that made Tommy special were not limited to what audiences saw on television.

THE MAN BRITAIN GREW TO LOVE ON GROUND FORCE

Born in Hackney, East London, Tommy Walsh first made his name as a professional builder before becoming one of Britain’s best-known television personalities.

His big television breakthrough came in 1997 when he joined Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the BBC gardening makeover programme Ground Force.

The show quickly became a national favourite, bringing together gardening expertise, practical construction skills and entertaining transformations of ordinary outdoor spaces.

At its peak, the programme attracted audiences of approximately 12 million viewers.

Tommy became particularly popular for his hands-on building expertise, straightforward personality and natural humour.

While Alan Titchmarsh focused on gardening and Charlie Dimmock brought her horticultural knowledge to the programme, Tommy was the man responsible for much of the construction work that transformed the gardens.

The trio became one of British television’s most recognisable presenting teams.

When Ground Force eventually ended in 2005, Tommy continued building his television career through a variety of home improvement and property programmes.

His television credits included Challenge Tommy Walsh, Tommy’s Ultimate Workshop, Flip That House with Tommy Walsh and Clean It, Fix It.

In 2021, he joined Homes Under the Hammer, where he worked alongside Martin Roberts and other presenters, bringing his practical knowledge and experience to property renovation projects.

For viewers, Tommy was more than a television builder. He was a familiar, reassuring presence whose passion for his work made home improvement entertaining and accessible.

A DIFFICULT HEALTH BATTLE BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind his successful television career, Tommy also faced serious health challenges.

In 2022, doctors discovered a cancerous lump in his throat during an appointment for an unrelated medical issue.

He underwent surgery to remove the tumour and subsequently announced that he had recovered.

However, his health challenges did not end there.

In January 2024, it was reported that Tommy had also been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors discovered a tumour measuring approximately three centimetres.

He later spoke about receiving treatment, including a specialised form of radiotherapy known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).

In June 2024, he shared encouraging news that the tumour was shrinking following treatment.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Tommy remained a much-loved figure among television audiences and continued to be remembered for his determination and positive outlook.

His death was confirmed by his agent, Debbie Schiesser, on November 9, 2026.

In a statement, she said:

“Tommy died peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his family.”

She also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

ALAN TITCHMARSH AND COLLEAGUES PAY EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES

Following the announcement, tributes poured in from fellow television personalities, friends and fans.

Alan Titchmarsh, Tommy’s longtime co-presenter on Ground Force, remembered the years they spent working together with enormous affection.

Speaking about their time on the programme, Alan described working with Tommy as a delight, recalling their playful disagreements, the chaos of construction work and the moments when they would burst into laughter together.

He described Tommy as a “force of nature” and a “complete one-off”, adding that the years they spent working together were among the happiest of his life.

Martin Roberts’ tribute offered another perspective on the man behind the familiar television personality.

While audiences remembered Tommy for his building skills and entertaining appearances, Martin remembered a friend who was willing to give up an entire day simply to make someone else’s life a little brighter.

A LEGACY THAT GOES BEYOND TELEVISION

Tommy Walsh leaves behind his wife, Marie, and their three children, Charlotte, Natalie and Jonjo.

His contribution to British television will be remembered through the many programmes he presented and the countless homes and gardens he helped transform.

But perhaps one of the most touching parts of his legacy is the story Martin Roberts chose to share.

Fifteen years ago, Tommy gave his time freely to help a disabled young man who admired him.

There were no television cameras documenting the moment, no audience applauding and no award waiting at the end.

Yet Harry never forgot it.

Sometimes, the most meaningful measure of a person’s life is not the fame they achieve or the work they leave behind, but the difference they make in someone else’s life.

For Martin Roberts and his cousin Harry, Tommy Walsh will always be remembered for that special day.

And as Britain says goodbye to a much-loved television personality, this story serves as a beautiful reminder of the generous heart behind the familiar face.

Rest in peace, Tommy Walsh. You will be deeply missed. 🕊️