13 June 2023 , 22:47
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Jonnie Irwin has admitted that his death could "happen any time" as he prepares for his final Father's Day amid his terminal cancer diagnosis.
A Place In The Sun star Jonnie announced last year that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer after his lung cancer spread to his brain.
The Channel 4 presenter is preparing to say a heartbreaking goodbye to wife Jess and their sons Rex, six, and twins Cormac and Rafa, who turn three later this month, as he tries to live an as normal life as possible.
It is set to be an emotional Father's Day, which is happening this Sunday, as he comes to terms that it is likely to be the last one with his three young sons and wife Jess.
Jonnie Irwin with his wife and their three sons (Instagram)Speaking in an interview with Hello!, the 49-year-old was candid with his approach to life after being given six months to live when he was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020.
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Jonnie said: "It can happen any time. I'm here to stop it for as long as possible."
He added: "I want to make plans. I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart.
"I don't know how long I have left, but I try to stay positive and my attitude is that I'm living with cancer, not dying from it. I set little markers – things I want to be around for. I got into the habit of saying: 'Don't plan ahead because I might not be well enough'."
The presenter was filming a TV project in Italy when he first realised something might be wrong with his health. He had an incident of blurry vision whilst he was driving - with tests later confirming the dad-of-three had developed lung cancer.
He went public with his illness in November 2022, but said he kept it secret because he "had to pay the bills."
Jonnie is determined to make the very most of every day he has left - and will make full use of modern technology.
"It's amazing to think I too could speak to my wife and children after I pass away," he told the BBC earlier this year.
"My diagnosis has taken a lot from me but it has given me the ability to prepare.
"The only way to make sure your digital legacy is as you like it, is to take control now," he added.
"I'm going to take every opportunity to do that for the people I love."
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