Jonnie Irwin urged 'people to learn' from health 'mistake' in his final months
Jonnie Irwin, who has died at the age of 50 following a cancer battle, once urged people 'to learn' from his 'mistake' that he came to regret in his final months.
The Channel 4 presenter's death was today announced by his heartbroken wife Jessica Holmes, with whom he'd welcomed three children Rex, four, and twins Rafa and Cormac, three. Taking to Instagram with the devastating update, Jessica wrote: "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."
She added: "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."
Jonnie, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after first experiencing symptoms in 2020, previously revealed that he regretted not taking out critical illness insurance, which meant he was forced to 'keep working'.
Jonnie Irwin shared his regret over his terminal cancer battle (INSTAGRAM)"I didn’t take critical illness insurance out and therefore I had to keep working,” the star said. “Without work, I’ve got no means of paying the bills. And if I had taken the critical illness insurance out, that could’ve covered my outgoings and I probably could’ve told the world [about his condition] a lot sooner."
Jonnie Irwin will record video messages for wife and kids to watch after he dies
Jonnie told AIG Life's The OneChat podcast that he feels "ridiculous" for not considering this level of insurance after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
He continued: “I could’ve had two years of living a more open lifestyle. And I want people to learn from that mistake. I think at the time I just thought I can better spend that money elsewhere. Where I don’t know. I’ve not frittered it away. Maybe because I know what benefits it would have had, it just seems ridiculous that I didn’t.
Jonnie was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 (INSTAGRAM)“I thought I was doing well just taking out life insurance. It’s one positive thing and helped me a great deal in getting a financial position in life to know my wife and my boys are more secure. But how I wish I’d taken out that extra cover.”
The A Place in the Sun star also admitted the 'hardest thing' he's ever had to do was tell his wife he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer just two months after she gave birth to their twins.
Jonnie continued working after his diagnosis to support his family (INSTAGRAM)“I can remember it like it was yesterday. And I’ve got no memory since my whole brain therapy. But that bloody memory stays in my head. And it is brutal. All I can remember is hugging her and just saying, 'Sorry,'" Jonnie added.
When he was first diagnosed, doctors told Jonnie, whose cancer later spread to his brain, that he only had six months to live, however, he went on to defy those predictions, going on to mark his 50th birthday against all odds.
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