Jonnie Irwin says ‘reasons I’m still here’ as he battles terminal cancer
Jonnie Irwin[1], the presenter of ‘Escape to the Country’, has opened up about his ongoing battle with terminal cancer. The 50 year old, who was once a star on ‘A Place in the Sun’, believes that his approach to the disease is one of the reasons he’s still here, Wales Online reports[2]. Jonnie, a dad of three originally from Leicestershire but now living in the North East, shared: “When I first got diagnosed I was in the hands of the NHS[3] and they gave me all sorts of medication and to cut a long story short Osimertinib was the drug which gave me longer to live.
The cancer started to be resistant to it.” “I was diagnosed at stage 4 and I was given months to live and then Osimertinib came onto the scene within two weeks and then I was given a lot longer, but they expected Osimertinib to last for 2-3 years. It lasted for six months.”
Jonnie spoke about the support he’s received, saying: “I got sent loads of books by well-meaning friends from ‘f-you cancer’ to all sorts and your book kind of stood out. You meet cancer patients, they know about your book. You meet people that deal with cancer like relatives and they know about your book.”
He also shared his positive mindset: “The reason I’m still here is because of the cacophony of help that I get but one of the reasons I think I’m still here is that I’m not a cancer patient. It’s always there at the back of your mind but I’m living with cancer not dying with cancer. Every time I talk about how strong I feel I end up in hospital the next day so I’m not going to curse it.”
Fans have been sending Jonnie messages of support. Caroline Norton wrote: “@jonnieirwintv you are the best example I know of us not being given a life, but of making one… you are da man danger, looking fab, sincerely hope you’re feeling as good as you look, keep doing the good stuff – god bless you all, especially Rex- fathers child ? . love and hugs to you all xxx” Tracy Murray commented: “Loved the podcast Jonnie, very informative.
So good to hear your positivity and I wish you continued health and strength.” Squiresgoldtop said: “Johnie you’re a legend mate, an absolute legend.”
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
References
- ^ Jonnie Irwin (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Wales Online reports (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ NHS (www.nottinghampost.com)