A TV presenter has announced their own death on social media .
Fiona MacDonald, star of "It's A Knockout", had been battling Motor Neurone Disease but in recent years, refused further treatment for the condition due to the unrelenting symptoms of the disease. In a heartbreaking post , she expressed her hope that she was "looking down from a cloud".
The Queensland, Australia-born presenter, known for shows including "Wombat" , where she appeared on screen in Agro's Cartoon Connection in the 1980s, had been battling the disease since November 2021. In the 2000s, Fiona took a step back from her TV career to focus on her own wine business.
Prior to her death, Fiona had written her own announcement and it was revealed that her sister, Kylie, had been left with the task of sharing it with her followers.
In a statement shared on social media, Fiona said: "Farewell my friends. My sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building - Hopefully I'm looking down from a cloud. Last night brought an end to a very tough few months. Was very peaceful, the boys and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye. 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."
Fiona recounted that "black humor" buoyed her spirits at the beginning of her ordeal, yet later it "turned to despair". After profound reflection, she chose to forego further treatment and enter hospice care for her final days. Fiona elaborated: "I made the decision after much soul searching to cease all medical supports and finally go into hospital for end of life palliative care."
She expressed her brave face toward mortality with poignant words: "When you love life as much as I do, it takes a great deal of courage to make choices that lead to farewell. 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.'" Amid this emotional journey, Fiona shared snapshots where she radiated joy alongside her sons Harry and Rafe, and their family pet. In another photo, she was seen sharing a beautiful moment with Kylie against the backdrop of a sunset.
Tributes have been pouring in for the beloved celebrity since her death, with fans expressing their memories and condolences on social media. One fan reminisced: "Thanks for everything, Fiona Mac. A huge part of my 80s childhood."
Another shared their sorrow, saying: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Fiona McDonald. From Wombat to It's a Knockout, she was a lot of fun, and a really lovely lady. RIP."
"Farewell and thank you the wonderful and funny Fiona MacDonald. We will all miss you. Rest in Peace," one person wrote. Another added: "Farewell lovely Fi... your courage has been inspirational and you'll be greatly missed. Much love to you, your family and your many friends."
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