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Dublin Live
Entertainment
Sarah Slater & Brian Dillon

Ex RTE star Gareth O'Callaghan asks for 'prayers' as wife becomes suddenly unwell

Former RTE presenter Gareth O'Callaghan asked the public for their "prayers" as his wife became suddenly unwell on Monday.

Gareth took to social media in the early hours of Tuesday morning about his wife Paula being ill. He said: “My beautiful soulmate, my gorgeous wife, is not well tonight."

Alongside a photo of himself and Paula at Garretstown beach in Cork, he added: "She became really unwell this afternoon. The pain came out of nowhere.

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"Please say a prayer for her and send some of your powerful energy to her. Thank you."

Gareth and Paula married two years ago. Paula is a well-known singer and Gareth has praised her as being "his rock".

Gareth was diagnosed a rare life-changing and incurable disease Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative illness of which there is no cure. Despite the diagnosis, he resumed his presenting on Classic Hits FM on Saturdays as his condition stabilised four years later.

Gareth spent 15 years with RTE presenting an afternoon show on 2FM. At his show's peak, it drew in an impressive listenership of almost 300,000.

Gareth previously revealed that his wife suffered a breakdown due to stress as a result of his illness, which led to a stay in hospital. He said that Paula was the first to know "something was up" in terms of his health back in 2015.

Many shared their well wishes for Paula on Twitter since Gareth's online plea. 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 person wrote: "Hugs and good vibes for you both from Cork. I hope she has a quick recovery. You both have been through enough already."

A third said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you both Gareth. Best wishes to your good lady."

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