On October 3, 2024, Fiona MacDonald, a 67-year-old Australian television personality, announced her own death in a poignant Instagram post shared by her sister Kylie.
MacDonald, renowned for hosting children’s shows such as “Wombat” and the game show “It’s a Knockout,” succumbed to a three-year fight with motor neuron disease (MND). This progressive neurological condition impairs nerve cells that control muscle movement, resulting in muscle weakness and degeneration of physical function over time.
Her post provided a candid insight into her battle with the disease, expressing her love for her family and a melancholic hope to meet with them again someday.
In her message, MacDonald shed light on her arduous fight with MND, declaring, “I have left the building — Hopefully, I’m looking down from a cloud.” She detailed the impact the disease had on her body, revealing her struggle with “slowly starving, growing weaker and weaker” due to her inability to swallow correctly, making her dependent on tube feeding. Despite her enthusiasm for life, she eventually chose to enter palliative care, finding solace in the prospect of leaving her “tortured body.”
Throughout her illness, MacDonald was recognized for her indomitable spirit and sharp wit. In a former interview, she spoke about her commitment to raising funds for MND research, embarking on a journey across Australia that spanned approximately 9,631 miles and raised more than $153,000 for MND research initiatives at Macquarie University. She also expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “I carry your love and laughter with me.”
MacDonald’s friends and former coworkers remembered her not just for her professional accomplishments, but also for her charismatic sense of humor and kindness. Television presenter Shelly Horton shared on social media, “Rest easy, lovely Fi. You are missed already.” Horton’s message echoed the sentiments of many who had the privilege of working with MacDonald.
MacDonald’s death triggered emotional responses from fans and the entertainment industry. Donna McCart, a longtime fan, stated that the news was challenging to digest. She highlighted the courage shown by MacDonald and her family, particularly her sons and sister Kylie, as they faced the difficulty of bidding their final farewells.
The cherished TV host is survived by two sons, Harry and Rafe, and her sisters Kylie and Jacki. MacDonald’s legacy encompasses her contributions to Australian television and to MND awareness and research. She concluded her final message with an Irish blessing, a touching reflection of her spirit, and a testament to her influence on those who knew her.
