Inside Fiona MacDonald’s heartbreaking three-year battle with motor neurone disease after TV legend announced her own death

Inside Fiona MacDonald's heartbreaking three-year battle with motor neurone disease after TV legend announced her own death

As a lifestyle expert with years of experience under my belt, I must say that Fiona MacDonald was not just a star, but a beacon of courage and resilience. Her life story, filled with accomplishments in the entertainment industry and her brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease, is truly inspiring.


In a touching tribute, the family of Fiona MacDonald honored their cherished celebrity after her passing earlier this month.

In the ’80s, Fiona became beloved as the hostess on Seven’s kids’ program called Wombat. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 67 following a tough three-year fight against Motor Neuron Disease.

Kylie Thynne, her sister, recently shared her admiration for her sibling’s bravery, as she decided against additional treatment due to the relentless nature of her symptoms.

This week, Kylie shared with Woman’s Day that Fiona was an exceptionally gifted author who moved numerous individuals through her candid and truthful portrayal of life with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

She mentioned that the family is strongly embracing one another following Fiona’s demise. Additionally, she characterized her sister as a bold, no-nonsense woman who faced her illness head-on, as if she had stolen it.

‘The outpouring of love [for Fiona] has been incredible,’ she said.

‘She has left an indelible mark on this world and all of us.’

Last year, Kylie and Fiona gained attention as they embarked on a road trip with the goal of raising funds for Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This expedition, which ultimately collected $200,000 for research, was later highlighted in an episode of Australian Story.

Inside Fiona MacDonald's heartbreaking three-year battle with motor neurone disease after TV legend announced her own death

Currently, reports indicate that a TV insider has shared with a publishing outlet their knowledge about intentions to honor Fiona by inducting her into the Logie Hall of Fame.

‘There have been six posthumous recipients over the years,’ the source said.

It’s highly probable that Fiona will receive recognition for her exceptional work in the Australian TV industry, as she was deeply admired by all.

Inside Fiona MacDonald's heartbreaking three-year battle with motor neurone disease after TV legend announced her own death

The Logie Hall of Fame has welcomed post-mortem inductees such as reporters Peter Harvey, Brian Naylor, Neil Davis, Brian Walsh, actor Maurie Fields, and wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. (This version maintains the formal tone while using clearer language.)

Fiona announced her own death on Instagram earlier this month in a heartbreaking post. 

‘Farewell my friends,’ the Queensland-born presenter said.

My sister, Kylie, is sharing this post as I’ve stepped out of the building – Let’s hope I’m gazing down from a cloud.

Last night concluded a challenging few months for me. It was quite serene as my sons and Kylie chose to stay over to bid their farewells.

Inside Fiona MacDonald's heartbreaking three-year battle with motor neurone disease after TV legend announced her own death

She detailed the intolerable agony she had experienced during her final years, expressing a desire to alleviate the torment. (This sentence retains the original meaning while using simpler language.)

Although I’ve never desired to end my life, the notion of departing from this tormented frame has provided some solace. The recent months have been quite challenging for me.

She stated that her passing was under her control, as she instructed the medical professionals to discontinue treating her illness.

She decided, following deep contemplation, to stop all medical treatments and instead move to a hospital for hospice care, which signifies the final stage of her life.

If you cherish life as deeply as I do, it requires significant bravery to choose paths that eventually mean parting ways. Let’s not label it ‘goodbye,’ for I sincerely anticipate our reunion in the future. Until that day comes…

Fiona became well-known after making appearances on programs like Wombat, a puppet series that followed Agro’s Cartoon Connection.

Apart from her career highlights, she was frequently featured as a favorite guest on numerous well-known variety and lifestyle programs, such as Look Who’s Talking and In Brisbane Tonight.

Inside Fiona MacDonald's heartbreaking three-year battle with motor neurone disease after TV legend announced her own death

In the early 2000s, the well-known entertainer – the sibling of frequent Hey Hey it’s Saturday performer Jacki MacDonald – chose to step away from showbusiness and instead established a wine consultancy company that she now runs.

She worked as both a business development manager and PR and communication manager for wine marketers Fine Wine Partners.

In the same year she left the organization, Fiona established her personal PR consulting business, Wine Chronicles, independently.

Fiona had already observed signs of Motor Neurone Disease before her official diagnosis, which happened before the year 2021.

MND causes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to progressively fail.

In advanced stages, damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord causes a loss of ability to walk, talk, and breath independently on one’s own.

Over time, as the situation worsens, those affected may discover that performing these tasks grows increasingly challenging or unattainable.

In July, she observed that her speech became unclear, especially when she was fatigued, which she shared with the Sydney Morning Herald.

Notable Australian Football League figure, Neale Daniher, is widely recognized as a prominent individual living with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). He has tirelessly worked to boost funding for research and increase public understanding about this health issue in Australia.

Fiona is survived by her two sons Harry and Rafe.

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2024-10-14 05:56

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