Well-known broadcaster and author Gareth O’Callaghan has asked for the public’s “prayers” as he revealed his wife suddenly became unwell on Monday.
Despite being diagnosed with a rare life-changing and incurable disease Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) a neurodegenerative illness of which there is no cure, he resumed presenting on Classic Hits FM on Saturdays as his condition stabilised four years later.
The father-of-three took to social media in the early hours of Tuesday morning about his wife Paula being ill saying: “My beautiful soulmate, my gorgeous wife, is not well tonight.
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“She became really unwell this afternoon. The pain came out of nowhere. Please say a prayer for her and send some of your powerful energy to her. Thank you.”
Mr O’Callaghan shared a photograph of his second wife Paula and himself on Garretstown beach in Cork. The pair married two years ago and Paula is a well-known singer.
He has credited his wife Paula with being “his rock”. The radio presenter has previously said that for about a year before his own diagnosis, he was fooling himself about the symptoms.
It was March 2015, and he was feeling very low after the recent death of his good friend and fellow radio legend Tony Fenton.
“But Paula was the first to suss that something was up. "
Ever since they found out he was ill, she has been his rock- but the illness has taken its toll on her too.
"Just last summer, Paula suffered a breakdown as a result of stress and it resulted in a stay in hospital.”
Thousands of people took to social media to let the popular DJ know they were wishing his wife well and to let him know that they were thinking of him.
Well-known psychologist and author Niamh Fitzpatrick said: “Oh no, I’m sorry to read this, Gareth. Warmest wishes to Paula for a full and speedy recovery.”
Another well-wisher added: “Hugs and good vibes for you both from Cork. I hope she has a quick recovery. You both have been through enough already.”
Mr O'Callaghan became a well-known broadcaster while working for RTÉ.
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