Messages of support have come pouring in for a "great presenter" who was given just six months to live.
Jonnie Irwin, who presents Channel 4 ’s A Place in the Sun and the BBC ’s Escape To The Country, has been diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread to his brain. The 48-year-old said he had chosen to keep his illness private until now, but hopes sharing his diagnosis will encourage others to "make the most of every day".
The dad-of-three said the first warning sign of his illness came while he was filming A Place In The Sun in August 2020 in Italy, when his vision became blurry while driving. Within weeks of flying back from filming, he was given the devastating news that he had just six months to live.
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Since sharing his story, hundreds of messages of support have come pouring in. ECHO reader Claire Sim said: "He seems like such a lovely lad and so young to have been given this awful news my heart goes out to him and his family."
Jeanette Wright wrote: "When I read this my heart felt sad, how can this happen to such a lovely man with such a future ahead of him with his wife and children, just terrible and sending so much love to him and his family" as Elaine Walton added: "He is one of my favourite presenters. It’s so sad. Just pray that he’s here for a lot longer."
Phyllis O Toole said: "This is so sad I love Johnny on TV, stay strong Johnny and keep up the fight you are such a bubbly person and you are my favourite on a place in the sun I keep you in my thought always."
Jonnie, who shares three-year-old son Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac with his wife Jessica, has continued to work as much as possible. The TV presenter is also encouraging people to take out life insurance.
He previously said: "It’s got to the point now where it feels like I’m carrying a dirty secret, it’s become a monkey on my back. I hope that by shaking that monkey off I might inspire people who are living with life-limiting prospects to make the most of every day, to help them see that you can live a positive life, even though you are dying."
ECHO readers say they are "praying for a miracle" as Carol Killen said: "Heartbreaking news. Praying for a miracle for him. Live every day as if it's your last. No one knows for sure."
Carol Hydes added: "What a shock I love Johnny great presenter great sense of humour. Brave man taking day at a time enjoying his family, working keeping things normal. God bless you and your family."
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