Jonnie Irwin died of lung cancer at the age of 50. On Friday, a statement was issued on the British TV star’s Instagram, confirming that he died more than three years after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer that had spread to his brain.
“A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit,” the post read, alongside a photo of Irwin with his wife. “At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.”
“As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts,” the statement continued. “Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 🕊️💔”
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Irwin was initially diagnosed in August 2020 after feeling impaired vision while driving. A series of tests soon revealed that he had lung cancer.
“Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live,” he told Hello magazine in November 2022. “I had to go home and tell my wife, who was caring for our babies, that she was pretty much on her own. That was devastating. All I could do was apologize to her. I felt quite responsible.”
The husband and father stated that his primary purpose was to encourage others to “make the most of every day.“
At the time, the Escape to the Country host told Good Morning Britain that he wanted to spend as much time as possible with his wife Jessica and his three children, Rex, 3, and twins Rafa and Cormac, both two years old.
“I’m about making memories. I know my children are so young they won’t remember me,” he said. “I want to at least get it on camera or film to show them the early days were brilliant. I think our house for Christmas will be extravagant.“
Irwin first kept his cancer struggle private before making it public in November. Sharing his motivation for publicizing it, the TV host conveyed a very important lesson regarding dealing with cancer patients: “My coming public is more to teach those without cancer. Treat us normally. Please treat us with respect.“
‘Me going public is more to educate those without cancer. Treat us normally. Treat us with respect.@jonnieirwin explains why he decided to go public about his cancer diagnosis pic.twitter.com/29jVclHGIZ
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) November 24, 2022
“You know, we are, in a lot of ways like people with disabilities,” he said. “Let us labor if we are willing to do so. Don’t make decisions for us; just treat us normally. That is why we are keeping it a secret.
In July 2023, Irwin appeared on BBC’s Morning Live and discussed his three years in palliative care. “I’m very good. I have ups and downs, but this is an up day. “The family is wonderful and very noisy,” he remarked with a giggle.
Irwin mentioned that he has been in palliative care since learning about his cancer. Initially, his experience involved receiving blood transfusions as a day patient. However, he stated that he was able to “embrace it” after being amazed at how wonderfully he was treated.
“It’s a delight, actually,” he admitted at the time. “My perception of the hospice was very much a boiling hot room full of people that looked frail and towards the end of their days. This is nothing of the sort. It’s spacious, energized, and comfortable. I mean, it’s even got a jacuzzi bath, and ensuite rooms, and the staff are just amazing. So I’ve had a good experience at my hospice.”
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