Devastating reason why Jonnie Irwin chose to keep his cancer diagnosis private
Jonnie Irwin explained he felt forced to keep his terminal cancer diagnosis a secret in order to protect his earnings so he could still care for his family.
On Friday, it was announced that the TV presenter had passed away at the age of 50 following his cancer fight. He left behind his wife, Jessica, and their three children; sons Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
Jonnie revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2022 - explaining to fans that he had been told he had terminal lung cancer in 2020 only for the disease to then spread to his brain. And in May last year, he opened up about his fear that he would leave his children without a father and a family with no main breadwinner. His comments came after he was let go as a presenter of A Place in the Sun by bosses as they said they were no longer able to insure him to work abroad.
Appearing on the OneChat podcast with AIG life last year, Jonnie explained: "The only reason I kept it secret is because I’ve got to earn, I’ve got to feed my babies, pay the bills. And as soon as you say you’ve got cancer, people just write you off."
Jonnie Irwin explained why he kept his terminal cancer diagnosis secret from fans (FILE)He added: "I had to live with it as a secret. It was really difficult living with such a massive cloud above me and pretending to everyone else. For the first year and a half, I could work... Unfortunately, one of the companies claimed they couldn’t insure and didn’t renew my contract. It left a massive hole in my income."
Jonnie Irwin will record video messages for wife and kids to watch after he dies
Jonnie said he felt like he had been "thrown on the scrap heap." He explained: "They’d recruited within a week and then I could see someone else doing my job."
The presenter explained that he decided to reveal his condition to the public after he tracked that he was refusing selfies with fans. He said: "The day came when I decided I’m going to tell the world and I just thought as well I might get some money for the family... It’s been a massive weight off my shoulders. The day I came out and told the world I have terminal cancer is the day I started living again."
He added: "I started being Jonnie Irwin again. I actually feel alive." Sadly, on Friday, news broke that Jonnie had passed away, three and a half years after his first diagnosis.
A statement from his family read: "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."
The statement continued: "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."
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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