Trying to Put Our Lives Back Together”: Dr. Michael Mosley’s Widow Reflects on His Death
Dr. Clare Bailey Mosley has said she is “learning to live without Michael” after her husband, TV doctor Michael Mosley, was found dead four days after he disappeared on a Greek island in June. His body was discovered on Symi, close to where CCTV footage showed him falling, and he died of natural causes.
The loss of Dr. Mosley has been profoundly felt by his family and the public. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dr. Bailey Mosley shared the family’s struggle: “We are trying to put our lives back together without Michael and it’s very hard. Not all the time. We can smile and laugh too, as well as comfort each other.”
She described the unpredictable nature of grief, saying, “Grief can feel overwhelming. Light and beautiful. Catch you by surprise. Feel like the weight of a stone or a sharp pain. It changes unexpectedly. As people often say, it’s a journey, not all sad and you take each day at a time.”
The family’s gratitude for the support they’ve received was evident in her words. “The extraordinary outpouring of grief and gratitude for Michael and how he has changed so many lives is very moving, including the heartfelt thoughts and kindness extended to us as a family, for which we are incredibly grateful.”
Dr. Bailey Mosley expressed hope that they could continue to share her late husband’s positive message. “Because while we are learning to live without Michael, he is ever-present through the lives that he touched and the difference he made.”
In honor of Dr. Mosley’s legacy, the BBC is hosting “Just One Thing Day” on Friday, named after his popular BBC Radio 4 podcast where he shared health improvement tips. Dr. Bailey Mosley praised the initiative, writing, “The BBC’s celebration of Michael’s life tomorrow with ‘Just One Thing Day’ is wonderful. A day dedicated to the impact he had on people’s lives and to celebrate his legacy within broadcasting and beyond – it’s humbling and delightful all at once. We are so grateful.”
Dr. Mosley, who initially trained as a doctor in London, transitioned to media, becoming a presenter, documentary maker, author, and columnist. He is renowned for popularizing the 5:2 diet through his book “The Fast Diet” and for his BBC series “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” which examined healthcare in Britain. His podcast “Just One Thing” provided practical health tips to listeners.
On the day he disappeared, Dr. Mosley had left his friends on Saint Nicholas beach on Symi to go for a walk. His body was found four days later near a cave complex beside Agia Marina, around 10 meters from the sea, with no signs of injury. Symi’s mayor, Lefteris Papakalodoukas, stated that Dr. Mosley appeared to have fallen down a steep slope, stopping against a fence.
BBC Radio 4 will lead the tribute coverage on “Just One Thing Day,” starting with the Today show, which will feature people whose lives were transformed by Dr. Mosley’s advice. BBC Radio 2’s Tina Daheley and 6 Music’s Craig Charles, along with BBC Radio 1, will participate by improving their own wellbeing. TV shows “Morning Live” and “The One Show,” where Dr. Mosley was a regular contributor, will also honor his legacy.