Jonnie Irwin has announced that he will record video messages so that he can still speak to his beloved wife and three children after his death.
The 49-year-old TV presenter is battling terminal cancer after tumors spread to his brain two years after his initial diagnosis.
Jonnie presented a piece on the digital legacy on Friday’s Morning Live, leaving hosts Rav Wilding and Kimberley Walsh with “goosebumps”.
The Escape To The Country host said he is taking “every opportunity” to give wife Jessica, 40, and their three children – son Rex, three and twins Rafa and Cormac, two – a bright future when he is no more here is.
After seeing a clip of a woman battling stage 4 colon cancer capturing a short clip each day for loved ones to see when she’s gone, Jonnie said he plans to do the same.
Jonnie Irwin has announced that he will record video messages so that he can still speak to his beloved wife and three children after his death
“It’s amazing to think that I too would be able to talk to my wife and children after I die. My diagnosis took a lot off my shoulders, but it gave me the opportunity to prepare.
“The only way to ensure your digital legacy is what you want is to take control now. And I will take every opportunity to do this for the people I love.”
The program went on to share information on how to create a “digital will” so you can tell loved ones what you want done with things like social media pages.
A digital legacy is a person’s online interactions, covering everything from social media platforms to email.
It’s something that’s often left out of probate plans as they aren’t considered tangible assets, but they are just as important as your family can’t get legal access, which poses a problem when they need information.
A digital legacy is also important to set desired actions for specific accounts, e.g. B. if the Facebook page is deleted or saved.
Reflecting on his actions to date, Jonnie said: “I have a lifetime of memories and over the years many have been stored online and since my diagnosis two and a half years ago I have put my affairs in order , I still have my digital legacy in mind no thought.
“I’ve put thousands of images and digital images online, but going further I have no idea what’s going to happen to those images.”
Devoted husband: The Escape To The Country host said he uses every opportunity to give wife Jessica, 40, a bright future
Chills: Presenter Rav Wilding said back in the studio: “I have goosebumps. Such a strong film from Jonnie. I think this film is a real reminder of all the practical things you can do.
Moving: “It’s amazing to think that I too can talk to my wife and children after I die. My diagnosis took a lot off my shoulders, but it gave me the ability to prepare.
What is a digital legacy?
- A digital legacy is a person’s online interactions, covering everything from social media platforms to email.
- It’s something that’s often left out of probate plans as they aren’t considered tangible assets, but they are just as important as your family can’t get legal access, which poses a problem when they need information
- A digital legacy is also important to set desired actions for specific accounts, e.g. B. if the Facebook page is deleted or saved
How to create a digital legacy
1. Make a list of all online accounts
2. Decide how you want your accounts to be handled – e.g. B.: whether they should be closed, canceled or saved
3. Research digital legacy policies for different accounts
4. Decide on a digital executor who can ensure that your wishes are implemented
5. Make your digital legacy legal and safe
Host Rav said back in the studio, “I have goosebumps. Such a strong film from Jonnie. I think this film is a real reminder of all the practical things you can do.”
Kimberley: “It’s heartbreaking. I think creating special memories with your loved ones can be as easy as sitting down to a Sunday roast.
Jonnie went public with his diagnosis in November after spending two years secretly battling cancer.
The married father of three said he hopes sharing his diagnosis would inspire others to “make the most of each day”.
He told Hello magazine: “I carry a dirty secret – it’s become a monkey on my back. I don’t know how long I have left, but I’m trying to stay positive and my attitude is that I live with cancer, not die from it. I make little marks – things I want to be there for. I’ve gotten into the habit of saying, “Don’t plan ahead because I might not be doing well enough.”
Inspiration: The married father of three said he hopes sharing his diagnosis would inspire others to “make the most of each day”.
“But now I want to make plans. I want to create memories and capture those moments with my family because the reality is my boys will be growing up not knowing their father and it breaks my heart.
Jonnie was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 while filming Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun in Italy.
He had been driving when his vision became blurred and doctors at home determined he was terminally ill.
Cancer drugs and chemotherapy helped prolong his life.
Heartbreaking: Jonnie was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 while filming Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun in Italy
The Leicestershire-born presenter is joined by his wife Jessica, 40. He said: “Within a week of flying back from filming, I had six months to live. I had to go home and tell my wife who was taking care of our babies that she was pretty much alone. That was devastating. I could only apologize to her. I felt so responsible.”
The couple live in Newcastle with their three children, having moved there from Hertfordshire in 2020.
Jonnie said he has chosen to keep his illness a secret until now. His case commemorates Dame Deborah James’ battle with colon cancer, which she publicized to raise awareness and funds for research.
He said: “I could inspire people living with life-limiting prospects to make the most of each day, to help them see that even if you die, you can live a positive life.
“One day this will catch up with me, but I’m doing everything I can to delay that day for as long as possible.
“I owe that to Jess and our boys. Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family.
From Lutterworth to Lanzarote: How former estate agent Jonnie Irwin’s television career began after beating hundreds to present A Place in the Sun
TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has revealed he has terminal cancer and he hopes sharing his terminal cancer diagnosis will inspire others to “make the most of each day”.
Born in 1973, Jonnie Irwin grew up in Bitteswell, Leicestershire and attended Lutterworth Grammar School and Community College before becoming a real estate agent.
In 2004, Irwin, along with co-host Jasmine Harman, was selected from hundreds of applicants to present Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun – Home Or Away. The real estate program was a surprise hit and was widely syndicated. Irwin also regularly presents the BBC series Escape To The Country and To Buy Or Not To Buy.
In January 2011, Sky 1 aired Irwin’s own show entitled ‘Dream Lives for Sale’ in which he helped people give up their lives in the UK to buy their dream business.
Later that year he launched a new series, The Renovation Game, which aired weekday mornings on Channel 4.
Outside of presenting, he is also Commercial Director of Judicare, which describes itself as a “specialist law firm providing clients with legal advice on all foreign property matters”.
Irwin married Jessica Holmes in September 2016. Together they have three sons and lived in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire before moving to Newcastle.
On November 13, Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He told Hello magazine, “I don’t know how long I have but I’m trying to stay positive and my attitude is that I’m living with cancer, not dying from it.”