Amy Dowden has paid a touching tribute to her father on a very big day, saying he 'sacrificed everything' for his family.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, who is currently preparing for her return to the ballroom, took to social media on Friday (August 8) to pay tribute to her dad, Richard, as he celebrated his birthday and retirement.
Amy, who has been vocal in her praise for her parents over their support not just for her dancing career but her recent breast cancer journey, sharing a string of pictures of the pair together.
She started with a stunning picture of Richard by her side on her wedding day a few years ago as she tied the knot with fellow dancer, Ben Jones.
Alongside the post, Amy gushed: "Happy birthday, HAPPY RETIREMENT DAD! I’m so happy you’re finally going to get the rest you so deserve! I’m so proud your my dad! Since I can remember you showed us what hard work, dedication, commitment and loyalty to your family truly is.
"Everything you did was for us. I couldn’t have had a better role model to look up to. You sacrificed everything and devoted your life to your family. Can’t wait to celebrate you! Enjoy a well deserved retirement. Love you like everyone who meets you! See you later dad xxx @richard_dowden."
And the messages of love and support soon came flooding in. bysarahlondon said: "Lovely moments. Happiest birthday and a well-earned retirement to your wonderful dad." clarehannahwalker wrote: "Wonderful photos - Happy Birthday and Retirement day to your Dad."
@irenemcleman commented: "Such lovely photos, your folks look wonderful. Happy Retirement to your dad." @war50512025 shared: "Lovely photos. Happy Birthday and Retirement to your lovely dad."
@interior_renovation_ideas posted: "Beautiful photos happy birthday and retirement to your Dad." @jaclyn1406 added: "Fabulous pictures! Wishing you a very happy retirement day Richard’. Have a lovely time celebrating with your lovely damily."
It comes after Amy said that it has been 'quite the journey' since her cancer diagnosis as she marked two years since she began treatment for the disease.
The Welsh star was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and subsequently underwent a single mastectomy and chemotherapy. It was later, in February 2024, she told fans that there was "no evidence of disease" and he fought back to return to Strictly for the 2024 run, where she was partnered with JLS star JB Gill.
The pair were making strides in the competition, but Amy suffered an injury, unrelated to her other health difficulties, to her foot and had to withdraw from the competition, leaving her heartbroken.
Now, with the 2025 run of the BBC One dance contest now just around the corner, Amy has been seen in rehearsals with her fellow pro dancers, but she's never far from being reminded of what she has been through.
Taking to Instagram, she shared a video from the midst of her treatment two years ago, which was captured for her BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.
The heart-wrenching video saw the 34-year-old breaking down in tears as she arrived at the hospital to start treatment. Alongside the video, the Welsh star wrote: "Two years ago today, I've been reminded.
"I'm honestly feeling stronger, happier and HEALTHIER than ever! So grateful and just want to remind those who need - this too shall pass. I'm forever grateful and don't ever take for granted how I'm feeling. This a reminder to live life to the fullest and to remember to check yourself. If you aren't who is going to? Early detection can save lives."
Following the video, Amy posted a recent photo of herself in which she was beaming during dance rehearsals. Alongside the photo, she wrote: "To now, living my best life in rehearsals.
"Be patient, be kind to yourself, and celebrate all the wins along the way. It's been quite the journey and process to get here and certainly not easy at times but I'm so glad I pushed through and my love for dance is MORE than ever (didn't know that even was possible, but it is!)"
