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Robert Daley had been clinging to the hope of watching the teenage diving champion compete in the 2012 Olympics The father of Tom Daley, the teenage British diving champion, has died aged 40 following a battle with brain cancer. Robert Daley, who followed his son’s career around the world despite his illness and became a familiar figure at the poolside and press conferences, died peacefully late on Friday with his family by his side. Although his health had been deteriorating since February, after it was confirmed that a tumour had returned five years after he was first diagnosed with cancer, Robert Daley had been clinging to the hope of seeing his son compete at the 2012 Olympics The 17-year-old diver, who lives with his family in Plymouth and is currently the world platform champion, paid tribute to his father on Twitter, saying: “If I could be half the dad that my Dad was to me then that would be my best achievement! I love you!” Mr Daley had attended all of of his son’s events until last year’s Commonwealth Games, when he was forced to remain at home after a tumour returned. However, he remained determined to support his son and he made a late dash to Sheffield with his family last month to watch Tom and synchro partner Peter Waterfield claim their first gold medal together in the World Series. Before the final of that competition, Tom was pictured in the crowd hugging his sobbing father, who had been determined to watch his son dive at next year’s Olympics in London. Mr Daley was wearing a T-shirt that night, which read: “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.” His son said after the event: “I am his oil.” A statement from British Swimming said: “Tom Daley’s father, Rob Daley lost his battle with cancer yesterday 27 May at 21.35 hours. “Rob Daley, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006, passed away peacefully with his family at his side. “His health has been fluctuating since February but he continued to fight until the last day, defying doctors’ expectations. “The family have asked for respect to their privacy during this very difficult period.” Jamie Cunningham, one of the diver’s publicity team, said: “When Rob and I walked into Tom’s post-victory press conference at the 2009 World Championships, there was a slight feeling of embarrassment mainly because Rob had a very private moment with Tom in front of the world’s media. “However, it was actually not about ego. Rob had just watched his 15-year-old son become Britain’s youngest ever world champion. He had not been able to congratulate him for nearly an hour… Rob was just being Rob, passionate and proud. “Tom Daley is without doubt the most impressive teenager I have ever met – both as a sportsman and a human being. That is the biggest compliment that I can pay Rob. We will miss you Rob, but we will cherish your memory.” Mr Daley leaves his wife, Debbie, and three sons Tom, William and Ben. Tom Daley Olympics 2012: Diving Diving Olympic Games 2012 Ben Quinn guardian.co.uk