Gay reverend Richard Coles received a surprise Valentine’s Day card from his late partner
Rev Richard Coles and his late civil partner Rev David Coles.
Reverend Richard Coles has revealed that he received a touching Valentine’s Day card from his late partner, two months after he died.
Appearing on Radio 2 Breakfast Show‘s “Pause For Thought” segment, Coles told host Zoe Ball that he had been surprised to receive a Valentine’s Day card, given that his partner died in December.
Asked whether he got a card, Coles said: “I did, from my beloved, which came as rather a surprise, not because he is unromantic or forgetful, but because he died in December.
“With remarkable foresight he arranged for me a Valentine’s card before he departed, and I’m very touched and grateful. And a bit surprised, because in widowhood you think your days of wine and roses are done. Not so.”
Rev David Coles died in December after a long period of illness.
The couple, both Church of England vicars, had lived together in Northamptonshire and were civil partners.
Rev Richard Coles subjected to homophobic abuse after partner’s death.
Rev Richard Coles is known for hosting BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live and appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Announcing his partner’s death in December, Coles wrote: “I’m very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died. He had been ill for a while.
“Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral. Funeral details to follow.”
Quoting Isaiah 60:20, he added: “The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”
He later revealed that he’d been subjected to homophobic abuse from online trolls after David died.
The former Communards musician explained how he has received homophobic abuse from a pocket of people, including one person who said his late partner “is in Hell” and he will soon follow.
After receiving an outpour of support, he has since described how the reaction has been “99.99999 per cent loveliness”.
But he added there had been “a small but lively correspondence from Christians who wish me to know that [David] is in hell and I will follow”.
