Emila Clarke spoke of losing her dad (Picture: Tim Whitby/Tim Whitby/Getty Images)

Game Of Thrones and Han Solo actress Emilia Clarke has spoken of the moment she lost her dad two years ago.

The actress was incredibly close with her dad when he passed away almost two years ago, with him regularly visiting the GOT set to watch his daughter shoot scenes before his death – she joked once he used to fall asleep watching the monitor like he would at home in front of the telly.

But on the 70th anniversary of the NHS, Emilia took the time to praise the work of nurses, who helped her cope with her dad’s sickness and subsequent death.

Speaking of the fact that nurses are often the target for cuts, Emilia said: ‘This reality breaks my heart, as two years ago on the 10th July I lost my darling dad. Our experience was shaped by the care he received.

‘I was given the opportunity to be involved in the intricacies that made up a day of trying to save his life and it showed me with such clarity, not only the awe-inspiring skill that the nurses clearly had, but the emotional intelligence that came along with it.’

Emilia stars in Game Of Thrones (Picture: HBO)

She went on to say the nurses’ compassion as well as their expertise helped her cope with her loss: ‘After a panic at hearing bells and buzzers I didn’t understand; the hug that came my way and the words that accompanied it both reassured and comforted me.’

She added: ‘I know my dad received the best care and medical support from our nurses that dealt with every second of those dark days.’

Emilia is now a passionate champion of nurses, and spoke of how much she admires the profession.

‘As a general member of the public – dragons aside – when I think about nurses I am reminded of this quote: ‘Care for one, that’s love. Care for hundreds, that’s nursing.’ It’s safe to say it’s a pretty admirable attribute to dedicate oneself to a profession with long hours and little pay,’ she said.

‘However, on closer inspection whilst taking on this humbling role as ambassador to RCN and my own personal experiences, I now see the truth behind that compassion.’

Nurses are of ever increasing importance in the NHS (Picture: Universal Images Group)

Expand

Emilia spoke of how nurses are ‘smashing stereotypes’ as they take a greater lead in medical care.

‘Even in my lifetime, nursing has drastically changed,’ she said. ‘Nurses are beginning to smash the old stereotypes and, for the first time, performing operations and running doctors’ surgeries. Our NHS, and other health services around the world, simply could not function without you.’

MORE: Kit Harington’s hair at the Game Of Thrones wrap party might be a tenuous clue

MORE: Game Of Thrones’ Sophie Turner channels Khaleesi with new ‘icy blonde’ bob