BBC’s Helen Skelton has made a heartfelt promise to Jonnie Irwin during an emotional tribute on BBC Morning Live after the dad-of-three died last week after a four-year battle with terminal cancer.
Helen, alongside co-host Gaby Roslin, said: “We are celebrating the life of our friend and presenter, Jonnie Irwin, who sadly died on Friday after a four-year battle with cancer. Jonnie was determined to share his story on Morning Live to get more people talking about difficult subjects like end-of-life care and dealing with death. We want to look back at the incredible impact he’s had and continue his legacy.”
Gaby started Monday’s Morning Live by saying: “We are talking about the incredibly sad news that on Friday, our friend and presenter Jonnie Irwin died from cancer after it spread from his lungs to his brain. After Jonnie’s diagnosis in 2020, he joined Morning Live to share his story and tackle the taboos around the disease. Together, we spoke about critical illness insurance, palliative care and the importance of leaving a lasting digital legacy for loved ones.”
READ MORE: Escape to The Country fans in tears as BBC show pays emotional tribute Jonnie Irwin
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Helen shared: “Now his passion was property, so we also followed his own renovation project to create a home for his two boys to support them in the future and today, we celebrate his life and as per Jonnie’s wishes, continue the conversation around the effects of cancer.”
(Image: No credit)
She went on to say: “For 18 years, Jonnie lit up our screens from sunny climates working on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun.” Helen added: “But in November 2022, Jonnie shared with the world that two years before that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.”
“He was determined to challenge the taboo around talking about cancer. Jonnie joined the Morning Live team to get us talking about end-of-life care.”
Wrapping up her tribute, Helen pledged: “On your behalf, Jonnie, we promise to continue that conversation. For the lives you changed and the joy you brought, thank you, from all of us.”
(Image: BBC)
Fans have been moved by Jonnie Irwin’s final social media post where he talked about improving his house. The much-loved Escape to the Country presenter passed away last week after a four-year battle with terminal cancer.
Jonnie, a dad to son Rex and twins Rafa and Cormac with his wife Jess, lived life to the max even when he was sick. His family told everyone he had died in a really sad message on Instagram on Friday night. They said: “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.”
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Jess, his wife, also put up a very touching post about Jonnie on Instagram. She said “I will always love you,” adding that she wants to “make him proud”. She added: “Good night 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 sadness in the world that I confirm Jonnie has passed away earlier today.
“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, eight bonkers years of love and adventure and three 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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
