Jonnie Irwin praised by fans for sharing poignant post after health scare

14 September 2023 , 13:10

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Jonnie Irwin has been praised by fans after sharing a poignant post just days after suffering a health scare.

The former Escape to the Country presenter, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020, took to Instagram as he expressed his gratitude after a day spent watching England play cricket. Posing alongside pals, including former England bowler Ryan Sidebottom, Jonnie was glowing as he called the day a “highlight” of his summer. “Had the best day in awesome company. Thanks to @ryansidebottom_official and @engagegroup_uk who made the whole experience a massive highlight of my summer. #oval #cricket #engvnz,” he captioned the slideshow of snaps.

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Jonnie posed alongside former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom as he enjoyed the match in London (Instagram)

In one photo, Jonnie is standing alongside fast bowler Ryan and two other friends, while in another shot, he’s outside the Oval in London with more pals as they prepare to watch the England cricket team’s one day international against New Zealand. His followers were blown away by how well Jonnie looked, just days after he complained he had been feeling unwell. “You're looking better every day, Jonnie!” one commented. “You (know) what, Johnny. You are living whilst so many of us are just existing… and I for one have no excuse! Love to you and yours xx,” another commented. “Great you had fun for yourself, keep strong Jonnie, thousands of people walking with you,” one follower wrote, as another said he was an inspiration to many. “You are just one walking, talking and smiling inspiration,” they replied.

The TV star was called an 'inspiration' by fans (Instagram)

“Looking good Jonnie. So great seeing your lovely smile,” another wrote, while a follower chimed in: “Brilliant Jonny! You make every day a special day and I love you for it. Keep up the fight!” The TV presenter prompted worry from his fans recently after he complained about feeling unwell over the weekend, and the 49-year-old admitted it was tough dealing with terminal cancer while parenting young children. “Been pretty unwell this past week but felt better this morning. So headed off to watch some Monster trucks. Kids loved it, got soaked in the rain, quick change when we got home to go again at a Christening party. Full on Sunday,” he wrote.

Jonnie was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020 (Instagram)

Jonnie was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020 after experiencing blurred vision while filming Channel 4 ’s A Place in the Sun. Within a week of flying home to the UK, he was told by doctors that the cancer had spread to his brain, and he was given six months to live. “I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much. That was devastating,” he told Hello! The presenter went public with his diagnosis in 2022, and confessed he doesn’t know who long he has left, but wants to make sure he makes the most of his life as a dad to his three children - Rex and twins Rafa and Cormac. “Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family,” he added.