Jonnie Irwin's inspiring advice to cancer patients about hospices before death
Jonnie Irwin used his status and platform for good prior to his heartbreaking death - including sharing wise advice with other terminal cancer patients regarding hospices.
The former A Place In The Sun presenter appeared on live TV from a hospice last year, in order to his experience of palliative care and encourage other people living with a terminal cancer diagnosis not to be scared of them.
Jonnie's family shared the news of the late star's death on Instagram this evening, with an extract of the statement reading: "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. 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."
Jonnie has died at the age of 50 (INSTAGRAM)Speaking on Morning Live in July, Jonnie appeared via video link live from a hospice as he admitted to having "up days and down days" while living with the incurable disease. He told hosts Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones: "I've been using palliative care for three years," and "It's the care you're given when doctors think you won't recover - I've been in palliative care since day one, when I got my diagnosis. It can take many guises - from hospital visits and chemotherapy all the way to the hospice."
The property expert shared his positive experience with hospice care, saying: "It's a delight actually! I wouldn't say it's like [staying in] a hotel but it is like a very nice, private hospital. My perceptive [of hospices] was very much a room full of frail people towards the end of their days, but this is nothing of sort - it's spacious, energised, comfortable... there is even jacuzzi!!"
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Jonnie also praised the staff at the private hospice he was staying in as "amazing" and Dr Ranj Singh explained that palliative care can last for years or just days, depending on the person. When talking about his advice for others with terminal cancer, Jonnie encouraged them to "embrace" hospice visits, saying it's "not all doom and gloom".
He recalled his own experience: "I had my first transfusions in hospital and was invited to use a hospice as a day patient. I went into a lovely room with biscuts pilled up and dipped in and out." He added: "I implore people to check out hospices - if you've got the choice to use them, then use them. It's not all doom and gloom."
"Well done Jonnie Irwin. Best description of palliative care and how it's funded I've heard in a long time," one BBC viewer wrote on Twitter after the segment aired last year. Another tweeted the Morning Live Twitter account, penning: "Watching your piece on palliative care this morning, My husband was diagnosed in April last year we were given a palliative care nurse immediately and without her and the Hospice ( were he died in December) we would never have coped."
Jonnie fought his cancer battle for three years (Instagram/ @jonnieirwintv)Jonnie, who shared two young sons with his wife Jessica Holmes, decided to go public with the tragic news of his terminal diagnosis in 2022 in order to get the "monkey off my back". The Escape To The Country star was shooting a TV project in Italy when he first realised something might be wrong with his health. In August 2020 he had an episode of blurry vision whilst he was driving - with subsequent tests confirming the dad-of-three had developed lung cancer, which had spread to his brain.
His death was announced on Instagram this evening, with his devastated wife Jessica telling Jonnie's followers: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. 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."
"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. 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."
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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