02 February 2024 , 19:50
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A Place In The Sun's Jonnie Irwin shared the huge steps he took to secure a comfortable future for his beloved wife and his three children.
Jonnie sadly died aged 50 following a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis where doctors gave him just months to live. His devastated wife shared the sad news in a heartbreaking post on Friday. "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 wrote.
"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 and Jess welcomed their three sons together (Instagram/jonnieirwintv)
The presenter made sure Jess and his children were looked after following his death (jonnieirwintv/Instagram)Jonnie was first diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020, which then spread to his brain. Upon receiving the heartbreaking news his cancer was terminal, the TV favourite began taking steps to protect his family financially for the hardship ahead. Jonnie revealed he sold his property portfolio to buy a house in Newcastle for his wife Jessica, 40, so she can be supported by her family who live close by when he is no longer here.
In 2021 the family moved from Hertfordshire to Newcastle, with the TV star also having a stunning Victorian property in London. “I want to go knowing that Jess and the boys are looked after. I'm a family man and I need to put a roof over our heads and food on the table but work is something that’s really important to me. It also stops me thinking about cancer," Jonnie told The Sun.
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The A Place In The Sun star said he was working non stop to secure a comfortable future for his children- Rex and twins Rafa and Cormac. "Even though I look thinner and I’m without hair, Escape to the Country and A Place In The Sun Ltd, which runs the show’s exhibitions, have employed me and I’ve been so impressed by them," he said.
Jonnie and Jess met through mutual friends in 2016 and were married within a year after he popped the question in India. Discussing his terminal diagnosis and death with Hello! magazine, Jonnie said: "I'm doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible. I owe that to Jess and our boys. Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family."
Over the years, the property expert had shared snippets of his and Jessica's blissful family life with their young children his Instagram followers. "I love working on location but the downside is I miss some family moments," Jonnie captioned a snap of Jessica and two of their children dressed in Tottenham Hotspurs onesies.
Alongside going public with his diagnosis, Jonnie also encouraged others to take out life insurance. "That has helped so much and when I leave this planet," the star explained in a recent interview. I’ll do so knowing Jess and the boys are in a house that is fully paid off and there’s a bit of money in the bank for them to live off."
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.