Gerry Ryan's partner speaks of void caused by his death

The partner of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan has spoken of the void in her life on the eve of the first anniversary of his death.

Melanie Verwoerd revealed she has been left with heartbreak and sadness as she continues to mourn his passing on April 30 last year.

The charity boss said she feels extremely blessed to have loved, and have been loved by the 53-year-old, who died from heart failure after taking cocaine.

A coroner ruled traces of cocaine in his system were likely to have triggered cardiac arrhythmia.

The father of five was under massive personal and financial pressure when he collapsed and died at his home on Leeson Street Upper, Dublin 4.

His family will hold a private memorial service in their local church in Clontarf tomorrow.