Jonnie Irwin bought his sons their 18th birthday presents before he died

03 February 2024 , 12:01

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Jonnie Irwin bought his sons their 18th birthday presents before he died

A Place In The Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin, who died on Friday aged 50 three years after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, had bought his three children their 18th birthday presents before he passed away.

Jonnie's grieving wife Jessica Holmes had posted a heartbreaking tribute to her beloved husband after they had decided to keep his cancer battle a secret from their three children - Rex, five, and twins Cormac and Rafa, both two. Jonnie had previously revealed that he had already planned for the future by buying his sons a gift each for their 18th, knowing that he would have passed away more than a decade before that moment.

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In an interview with Hello! Magazine last year, Jonnie spoke candidly about how he might be remembered by his sons. He said: "It pains me to think the twins probably won't remember me. You hear people say: 'I don't remember my dad. He died when I was so young.' I think about that and it breaks my heart because that's what I'm destined to be, really - a footnote in their life. So, I try to have monuments of my love for them."

One of the important transactions Jonnie completed before his death was to buy the Newcastle house where his boys live, so that they don't have a mortgage hanging over them as they grow up. He also revealed his dying wish in the interview last year, saying: "I had a tough upbringing and I've managed to do a lot in my life, despite that, but I don't want them to struggle."

Jonnie Irwin passed away after losing his battle with lung cancer

Jonnie said that he and Jessica decided not to tell the children about his diagnosis so that their memories would hopefully remain happy of their time with their father. Jessica announced his passing in a post on social media alongside a photo of the TV star. In the caption, she 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."

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Jessica continued: "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".

Her post finished: "Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten." Jessica also paid tribute personally, writing: "Goodnight my favourite. Thank you for everything. I will always love you. The hardest day has come, a day I prayed wouldn’t come. It’s with all the the sadness in the world that I confirm Jonnie has passed away earlier today."

She continued: "His magical brain that continued to fight to the end has now gone to sleep. He has given me more than I could ever have wished for, 8 bonkers years of love and adventure and 3 amazing boys. I will continue to make you proud but only with your love still finding me and guiding me for the rest of my life, me and the boys still need you. Jonnie you really were the most handsome man I ever knew and I am so sorry for this cruel end. It really wasn’t fair and you didn’t deserve any of this. You gave so much time to others and touched everyone you met, I have never experienced anything like the effect you had on people. I love you so much and forever proud of you xxx."

James Brinsford