Beloved former television personality Fiona MacDonald has died aged 67 after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
Her sister Kylie Thynne posted a message from MacDonald announcing her own tragic death on her Instagram account.
"While I've never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief," MacDonald wrote.
"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."
MacDonald wrote that she had been "slowly starving, growing weaker and weaker" and had made the decision to cease medical treatment.
She noted the black humour that had served her well had turned to despair.
"When you love life as much as I do, it takes a great deal of courage to make choices that lead to farewell," she wrote.
"So let's not call it goodbye as I hope to see you again on the other side."
In 2023 MacDonald was profiled on the ABC's Australian Story after she made a decision to drive around Australia to raise awareness and funds for MND.
She spoke on the program about a "deep grief" about losing her voice.
"Talking is so much a part of being human," she said.
"The live patter, the intense discussion, the passionate argument, a quick witty aside, jokes that make you cry with laughter. All gone, just whispers in the dust."
A Legacy of Laughter and Courage
Fiona MacDonald was a beloved figure in Australian television, known for her quick wit and infectious laughter. She brought joy to countless children with her work on Wombat, and her personality shone through on It's a Knockout.
But beyond her on-screen persona, MacDonald was a woman of courage and resilience. Diagnosed with MND in 2021, she faced the debilitating disease with grace and determination.
Instead of succumbing to despair, MacDonald chose to fight back. She embarked on a cross-country road trip to raise awareness and funds for MND research. This courageous act epitomized her spirit - a spirit that refused to be broken by adversity.
A Final Farewell
Fiona MacDonald's passing is a loss to the Australian television industry and to her many fans. Her legacy, however, will live on through the laughter she brought to audiences and the inspiration she provided to those facing their own battles.
MacDonald's final message, shared on social media, reflected the grace and humor that defined her life. "So let's not call it goodbye as I hope to see you again on the other side."
We remember Fiona MacDonald not only for her talent, but for her strength and kindness. She will be deeply missed.
