Jonnie Irwin says every day is a ‘gift’ in rare public appearance since terminal diagnosis

The former A Place in the Sun presenter has said every day is now a ‘gift’ after revealing doctors gave him just ‘months’ left to live after his terminal cancer diagnosis.

The popular TV star has inspired many with his fighting spirit as he continues to battle with terminal lung cancer.

On Tuesday, June 27th, Irwin was spotted partying with friends and ex colleagues at the TRIC Awards along with Escape to the Country presenters.

The dad-of-three was seen smiling and laughing with friends, joking around, and generally enjoying the evening.

The 49-year-old told The Mirror at TRIC Awards in London: “Today is a good day. Yesterday I peeled myself out of bed and munched painkillers, but so far so good today. 

“I take every day as a gift and as it comes.”

Jonnie has been open about his cancer after choosing to go public in November last year in a bid to help others suffering from the disease. 

He was first diagnosed in August 2020 after seeking medical advice when his vision became blurred at the wheel.

Since then, the star has been sharing health updates with his followers on Instagram. 

Last year he revealed that doctors had predicted he had just ‘months’ left to live after it was sadly discovered his lung cancer had spread to his brain. 

Recently, Irwin revealed that he and his wife Jessica have chosen to keep their young boys in the dark about his terminal diagnosis so as to make the most of the time they have left together. 

He also said he doesn’t want to ‘confuse’ his sons — Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.

In a very frank and honest chat about the future, Jonnie also revealed that he has already bought presents for their 18th birthdays, sharing that his biggest fear being that they would ‘forget’ him. 

Celebrating with other stars at Tuesday’s ceremony, including Jules Hudson and Nicki Chapman who he said were ‘like family’, Irwin took home the award for Best Daytime, with other winners this year including Bradley Walsh for TV personality, Emmerdale for Best Soap and Peaky Blinders for Best Drama.

It seems there was plenty of reason to celebrate and Irwin even took the time to share a glimpse into the party with his Instagram followers as he danced around with presenter Jules Hudson.

Fans rushed to comment on his post as they were delighted to see him in good spirits.

One person wrote: “How do you do it little bro! What an absolute fighter.” A second added: “Your absolutely amazing !!!!!! and the courage you’ve shown your children is amazing, what an inspiration you are”

Irwin said he felt like he could ‘breathe’ finally after sharing his cancer diagnosis from 2020 with the world, two years on.

He added: “I also wanted to show that because you have cancer it doesn’t mean you are a different person.

“You can still work. Look at me now! I don’t think the doctors were expecting me to make 2023 but here I am and I’m available at work. And I’m especially available to parties!”