Jonnie Irwin has detailed how he enjoyed the 'best Father's Day ever' with his three young sons, despite battling a terminal cancer diagnosis. The former A Place in the Sun star was given just six months to live back in 2020, after being told he had developed lung cancer which had tragically spread to his brain.
Now 49, and almost three years on from his diagnosis, the bubbly personality continues to make memories with his tight knit family in the face of adversity. While he recently admitted in a new interview that he's unsure 'how long he has left', the dad to Rex, three, and twins Rafa and Cormac, two, detailed how he made the most of Father's Day in a stunning post to his followers.
Taking to Instagram, Jonnie shared a sweet string of snaps of him enjoying his Father's Day with his youngsters - indulging in a slice of cake and adoring his cards received from the boys. He also posed enjoying a drink from a 'dad' mug, before later enjoying a motorcycle ride with his brother in law.
The pictures were taken as part of a Hello! magazine interview which you can read here.
Read more: Jonnie Irwin leaves A Place in the Sun co-star in tears with touching Father's Day pic
Captioning the post, Jonnie wrote: "Had The best Father’s Day ever. Breakfast of Chocolate Guinness cake baked expertly my brilliant wife then cards from the boys and visit from my brother in law for a brief pillion ride back in time to enjoy some of the highs and lows of the Ashes ending in more cake with more family washed down by a drop of champers. #fathersday."
And fans of Irwin were quick to flock to the comments section, full of well-wishes and positive messages for the proud father and his three sons. Toby Tarrant, wrote: "Looks class mate. Hope today they'll leave you in peace and let you watch the cricket for 8 hours though! X."
Another, added: "Think of you every day Jonnie. You are giving your boys memories of a wonderful, brave daddy," while a third, went on: "You are truly an inspiration to us all Jonnie,It's lovely to see you making amazing memories with your gorgeous family God Bless you all.xxxxx."
A fourth, commented: "Its All about making them memories for the family now mate...all the best to u and ur family x," while a fifth, echoed: "Lucky boys having you as their Dad."
Although he was given his terminal diagnosis back in August 2020, Jonnie kept the news under wraps until November last year - citing how he had fears of being 'thrown on scrap heap' and people treating him differently. Jonnie suffered blurred vision when he was driving back from filming for A Place in the Sun, prompting him to seek medical advice.
And after a number of tests, doctors told him that he only had six months left to life. Defying all odds, it's been three years since Jonnie's 'prognosis' now, and he's completely dedicated to making the most of his time left with his three sons and wife, Jess.
Taking to AIG's brand-new One Chat podcast, Jonnie said: "With less time potentially available to me, I've learned to enjoy the here and now and enjoy those around me more, and focus on those around me," adding: "But me working now is me helping, or trying to build something for my family in the future, and anyone in my position will be focused on family but it's made me appreciate my family more, especially my wife.
"You know, my children are everything to me but even now I'm probably a bit too focused on their future, rather than enjoying them now. This process is helping me enjoy the here and now, enjoy my life and enjoy my family. And I've noticed my family a lot more rather than coming home from work 'how's your day? bye'.
"I've just noticed their character."
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