TV presenter Fiona MacDonald has died aged 67.
The Australian star shared a post on social media, three years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
MacDonald was known for her roles on Wombat and hosting game show It’s A Knockout.
She was also sister to Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s Jacki MacDonald, who is now a well-known radio presenter.
‘Farewell my friends. My sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building – Hopefully I’m looking down from a cloud,’ her statement read.
‘Last night brought an end to a very tough few months. Was very peaceful, the boys and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye.’
The statement went on: ‘While I’ve never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief.
‘The last few months have been tough. Unable to swallow normal food, the tube feeding that should have sustained me didn’t work because my gut couldn’t tolerate any of the multiple brands of protein drinks. It went straight in and straight out.
‘I have been slowly starving, growing weaker and weaker. I’ve also developed terrible back pain because my muscles aren’t supporting my frame.
‘The black humour that served me well through the first years of this journey turned to despair.
‘I made the decision after much soul searching to cease all medical supports and finally go into hospital for end of life palliative care. When you love life as much as I do, it takes a great deal of courage to make choices that lead to farewell.’
She ended her post by saying: ‘So let’s not call it goodbye as I hope to see you again on the other side.
‘Until then: “May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again, And may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
‘I carry your love and laughter with me and hope you’ll remember mine.’
Her followers shared their condolences, with @salad_sal writing: ‘You’ve taught us so much about how to live your life alongside a good laugh, good mates, family and vino. See you later, and I mean that.’
‘A wonderful person. The world is so much poorer now,’ @ralph.ktyepowell said.
Just one day before, MacDonald shared an update saying: ‘I’ve officially reached ‘bag of bones’ status on the scales, so everything is very effortful for me. Interspersing visits with time in bed – it’s how you have to roll with MND.’
MacDonald left television after It’s A Knockout and became an expert in wine.
She got married in the 90s and has two sons, Harry and Rafe.
Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system and can lead to muscle weakness.
More information about MND can be found here.
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MacDonald and her sister spoke about her diagnosis to 7News last year, with Kylie saying: ‘It’s taken her voice… it’s taken the strength of her left leg… It’s a terrible journey.’
What is Motor neurone disease?
Motor neurone disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It mainly impacts people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.
MND is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. Over time, these cells stop working, and the disease gets gradually worse – moving, swallowing and breathing get increasingly difficult.
Currently there is no cure for the disease, which shortens life expectancy and eventually, leads to death. Treatments do exist that mean some people can live with the condition for many years, including physiotherapy and a medicine called riluzole that can slightly slow down the progression of the condition.
In most cases, it is not hereditary, but having a close relative with motor neurone disease can sometimes mean you’re more likely to get it.
The NHS lists the early symptoms as:
- weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods
- a weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons
- muscle cramps and twitches
- weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time
- difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
The NHS advises you to speak to your GP if you experience the symptoms. ‘It’s unlikely you have motor neurone disease, but getting a correct diagnosis as early as possible can help you get the care and support you need,’ they state.
For more information and support you can contact the MND Association.