Popular former children’s TV presenter, Fiona MacDonald, has died at the age of 67, three years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
She announced her own passing on social media, writing “my sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building. 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,” the mother of two wrote.
She said she had made the decision to cease all medical supports “after much soul searching”.
“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.”
Speaking to the ABC’s Australian Story in October last year, Ms MacDonald said the disease had taken her voice.
“Stealing the power of all muscles inch by inch until you can’t walk, can’t hold hands, can’t talk, swallow or breathe,” she said via a computerised voice system.
“Then you die. There is no treatment, no cure.”
Fiona hosted the popular children’s program Wombat alongside a puppet called Agro in the 80s, along with gameshow, It’s A Knockout.
She also appeared on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, which was hosted by her sister, Jacki MacDonald.
