Noted Australian television presenter, Fiona MacDonald, aged 67, announced her own death in a moving Instagram post shared by her sister Kylie on October 3, 2024.
MacDonald, renowned for hosting children’s programs such as “Wombat” and the game show “It’s a Knockout,” succumbed after a three-year fight with motor neuron disease (MND). This progressive neurodegenerative disorder affects nerve cells responsible for controlling muscle movement, culminating in muscle weakness and loss of physical function over time.
The post gave an unfiltered look into her experience with the disease while also conveying fondness for her family and a poignant hope to reconnect with loved ones in the future.
In her message, MacDonald reflected on her arduous journey with MND, declaring, “I have left the building — Hopefully, I’m looking down from a cloud.” She outlined the devastating impact that the disease had on her body, revealing how she had been “slowly starving, growing weaker and weaker” due to her inability to swallow correctly, which necessitated tube feeding. Despite her zest for life, she ultimately chose to enter palliative care, finding solace in the thought of escaping her “tortured body.”
Notwithstanding her illness, MacDonald was admired for her resilient spirit and sharp wit. In an earlier interview, she discussed her commitment to raising capital for MND research, embarking on a 9,631-mile journey around Australia that aided in raising over $153,000 for Macquarie University’s MND research programs. She also expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “I carry your love and laughter with me.”
Peers and former colleagues remembered MacDonald not only for her professional milestones but also for her effervescent sense of humor and kindness. Television host Shelly Horton shared on social media, “Rest easy, lovely Fi. You are missed already.” Horton’s sentiments resonated with many who had collaborated with MacDonald over her career.
The announcement of MacDonald’s passing elicited heartfelt responses from admirers and the entertainment industry. Donna McCart, a longtime follower, expressed the difficulty of grappling with the news. She commended the bravery of MacDonald and her family, particularly her sons and sister Kylie, in facing the emotional hurdle of bidding their final farewells.
MacDonald is survived by two sons, Harry and Rafe, and her sisters Kylie and Jacki. Her enduring legacy encompasses her work in Australian television and her contributions to MND awareness and research. Her last message concluded with an Irish blessing, a striking reflection of her spirit, and a testament to her influence on those around her.
