Former RTE broadcaster Gareth O'Callaghan has been hospitalised after a freak accident, his wife has revealed.
The current Classic Hits FM host, who became a household name in Ireland on RTE radio in the late 1980s and 90s, suffered serious injuries to his hands in a fall at his home.
O'Callaghan's wife Paula shared the news on social media when she posted: "My wonderful husband had a freak accident last week, he has been in hospital since and will be until the New Year."
Read More : Weather map shows freezing US jet stream heading for Ireland as warning issued
In a further update, she revealed the presenter fell while bringing out the bins.
She said he "was bringing the bins out and the bin slipped."
"Gareth's fingers were caught around the handle. His fingers are in a very bad way and he has had two surgeries since Saturday. Please send positive vibes."
Paula posted the updates while encouraging people to give blood. Her first posted added: "Today, I’m giving my 35th pint of blood as it’s so important to give back."
Hundreds of people have been responding with well wishes for the beloved radio personality.
One person wrote: "I am so sorry to read this, Paula. Please God all will be well with Gareth. I will keep him in my prayers. Well done for donating."
Another said: "Oh Paula, I’m so sorry to hear this. A speedy and full recovery to Gareth. You mind yourself also."
Gareth will now be in hospital until the New Year as he recovers from the surgeries and it is not the first time this year he has opened up about his health struggles.
Earlier this year, he shared his fears over one day losing his voice due to his diagnosis with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare and degenerative neurological disorder impacting involuntary functions such as blood pressure, breathing, bladder function and motor control.
Following his diagnosis, Gareth took a step back from the airwaves but has since returned to Classic Hits Radio for a Saturday morning show.
He told Ireland AM back in February: "Every day is different. You wake up with different pains, different sensations. There’s a bit of a swallow issue going on at night time.
"When you sleep comfortably, deeply at night that autonomic nervous system looks after the flow of saliva, whereas the danger is that it aspirates.
"Instead of going down to the tummy, it slips into the windpipe and the lungs."
"My legs aren’t great and I’m doing a lot of leg exercises and the internal stuff is going on.
"But the voice is still there. I have no idea how long it’s going to last. I don’t think along those lines, I just say, 'It’s great to be back on the radio'."
READ NEXT :
Fears for health of Irishman held in Iran 'hellhole' prison in crowded cell amid -5C temperatures
Social welfare: Four benefits to apply for in January if you've never qualified before
Cost of Covid tests to increase within days as Government to hike VAT despite surge
Leo Varadkar to tackle Ireland's housing crisis 'Covid-style'
Expert warns people to never put Amazon Echo Alexa in bedrooms amid privacy concerns
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
