Lady Anne Dodd says thanks for thousands of cards after Sir Ken's death

I have been completely overwhelmed by the kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness I have been shown since my beloved husband, Sir Ken Dodd – known affectionately to millions throughout the land as “Doddy” – passed away.

Our home in Knotty Ash – which Ken loved and was where he spent his entire life – is full of your beautiful letters and cards, and I couldn’t be any more grateful for the comfort they have given to me.

I have received thousands of letters and cards, and in time I want to try to reply to as many as I can.

But, for now, I just wanted you all to know how much your good wishes mean to me – together with your memories of, and warm feelings towards, Ken. I have also been bowled over by all the lovely floral tributes and messages that have been left outside our house.

You are helping me and Ken’s family to get through a very difficult time. Ken loved Liverpool and its people with a passion, and he would have felt so incredibly moved and humbled to have seen such a response.

There was a similar outpouring of love when Ken was being cared for in the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and that touched him so much, as he said at the time.

I would also like to thank everyone who helped organise, and everyone who attended, Ken’s funeral at Liverpool Cathedral – and also everyone who took the time and trouble to line the route of the funeral cortege.

Ken’s family thought it was a thoroughly fitting tribute and, again, we were all overwhelmed by such a great public show of affection.

Ken was a very special, much-loved man and it is clear that he touched a great many people’s lives – here, in his beloved home city, as well as across the UK and beyond.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love and support. I will never forget it.