Jonnie Irwin has heartbreakingly revealed that he celebrated his landmark 50th birthday eight months early, as he continues his battle with terminal cancer.
The former A Place in the Sun presenter, whose 50th falls in November shared a gut-wrenching admission that he doesn't know how much longer he has left - after being diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020 which has since spread to his brain.
In a new interview, the father-of-three who lives in Newcastle, has revealed the premature birthday celebrations he hosted with 170 loved ones, making as many memories with friends and family as possible.
Read more: Jonnie Irwin addresses A Place In The Sun 'comeback' following terminal cancer diagnosis
Speaking to The Sun, Jonnie said: "It was a great night. I chose a playlist with some great tunes from the 90s and 2000s and people came from all over the country and abroad.
“I didn’t know the extent of the loyalty and generosity that my friends would exhibit. I’ve been dumbfounded and spellbound by their support, as well as that of our families, who have been amazing.
“I just wanted to do something to celebrate my birthday and had no idea how many people would actually turn up. It was incredible.”
It is said that co-star Jasmine Harman and ex-England cricketer Andrew Caddick were also in attendance at the big birthday bash, allowing Jonnie to celebrate in style with his nearest and dearest.
Elsewhere however, Jonnie has admitted that he's struggling to do things he was once able to. Reflecting on a recent attempt at kicking a ball about with his son Rex, he added: "I tried to play football with Rex the other day and was in goal and I couldn’t get near the ball. It was so frustrating.
“I’m very sporty and suddenly it’s just like…it was as if it was the first time I’d attempted football. I felt like a granddad."
Jonnie went on to add that the moment 'broke' him a little bit.
Since his diagnosis, Jonnie has been dedicated to making the most of his time with wife Jessica, 40, and their children - Rex, three, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac. He often uses Instagram to showcase what the family of five are up to, from trips away in the lakes to summer fun in the garden.
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