John Farnham's youngest son James reveals his secret health battle after his famous father's cancer scare
In a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, the 36-year-old revealed he's finally 'loving life' after having multiple surgeries to reverse his colostomy - a procedure that reroutes the colon (part of the large intestine) to an opening in the abdominal wall.
He posted a series of graphic photos taken from the hospital and wrote: 'Wow, what a difference a year makes.
'Exactly 12 months ago today, I was going in for my third surgery, hoping to finally reverse my colostomy/ileostomy. It worked.
'I stayed quiet about it all year because, to be honest, I was scared it would go wrong again. It always seemed to. But this time, I healed properly and there were no complications.'
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
James said he's rebuilt himself 'physically, mentally and emotionally' since his procedure and has returned to the gym.
'I even got to work with one of my favourite music artists from my teenage years. And most importantly… I became a dad. My biggest dream,' he continued.
'Two years ago, I couldn't imagine feeling this way. I was angry, lost, didn't want to go anywhere or see anyone. Life felt like a dead end.
'Today, I can finally say, I love my life. I'm genuinely happy. If you're struggling, just hang in there.
'Check in on your mates. Be kind to yourself. Life's weird and unpredictable, but it can surprise you in the best ways.'
James' health battle comes after his father John was recovering from his own surgery to treat his oral cancer and remove a mouth tumour.
Last August, John revealed he was cancer-free 12 months after having mouth surgery.
In his first personal statement since the procedure, the music superstar said he was finally in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his loving family and felt like 'the luckiest man I know'.
'It's been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I've lost count as to how many other procedures there's been since then,' he said.
'I'm sure someone's kept track of them all - let's just say, there's been a few.'
'But, I'm home now and I'm a very grateful and happy man. I'm sitting here in my living room lapping up the attention from my beautiful wife, Jill, my boys Rob and James and my mini Schnauzer, Edmund.'
The You're The Voice singer thanked his fans for the well-wishes and support and said he was looking forward to his first celebratory meal - a pizza.
'It's only now that I can start to appreciate and comprehend, for myself, how many messages of love and support have been sent to me over the past year,' he added.
'I don't know what to say, other than thank you so very much.
'It honestly means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and send a message.'
'Today is a special day. And I'm going to mark it by having a pizza - because I can! I can't wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast's Nina Warhurst returns to show after family death as fans rush to support
BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst has made her return to the show after a heartbreaking family death BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has returned to the programme after her father's passing. The popular morning show was back on air on Sunday (August 3) with Ben Thompson and Nina presenting together once again. It's been a tough period for Nina, who recently revealed that her father had passed away peacefully in a care home on July 2 after a prolonged struggle with dementia. Sharing a touching black-and-white image of her hand clasped with her father's, she penned: "My Dad died on Wednesday night. From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the crying, laughing, sharing memories. On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together. "He drifted away gently with me and Amy (Nina's sister) holding him and telling him to 'go head. We'll see you there soon.' And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped.", reports the Express. "A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days I'll never forget. He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. "I can't quite accept that's real yet. But we think it's really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful." Supporters immediately flooded Nina with messages of comfort at the time. One viewer commented: "Oh my darling, this is such sad news. He seemed like a beautiful soul." Another said: "So sorry, dear Nina and family. You did him proud. Always." However, a few weeks later and on Sunday, Nina was back on the famous red sofa on BBC Breakfast - and fans were more than chuffed to see her back. On X, one person penned: "Lovely to see Nina this morning." Nina's father Chris, had been diagnosed with mixed dementia, which is Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, in April this year, she spoke candidly about how his condition had affected her life. The mum-of-three penned in an Instagram post: "I don't think I really became a proper grownup until we had to look after my Dad. Because of dementia I lost the home I could go to and still be a child. I lost one of those few pillars of people who I knew would love me, whatever. I thought that support was lost. But now I know that just being with him is enough. I don't know if it's primal, hormonal, chemical, emotional….. but leaning my head on his chest and closing my eyes for a few minutes gives me the sense of safety and love that I've always had and that I still need." BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One.
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
That's awkward! Sonia Kruger and Married At First Sight bride Evelyn Ellis wear VERY similar gold gowns on Logies red carpet
It's television's night of nights and every celebrity in town wants to be the belle of the ball. But two stars from rather different worlds found themselves facing an awkward encounter on the red carpet as they arrived in very similar gowns for the 2025 Logies. Both Evelyn Ellis and Sonia Kruger dazzled as they made their arrivals at The Star in Sydney on Sunday night. The Married At First Sight bride and the perennial TV host each selected a shimmering gold maxi dress for the big occasion. While the frocks are not identical, and made by different designers, the similarity was notable. Gold Logie nominee Sonia, 59, arrived with a bang as she stepped out in a glistening strapless gown. Both Evelyn Ellis (right) and Sonia Kruger (left) dazzled as they made their arrivals at The Star in Sydney on Sunday night for the Logies - in very similar gowns The dress, designed by Victorian fashion designer Alin Le' Kal, looked like molten gold beneath the lights. Her gown featured racy, full-length cutouts down both sides of her body with dangling diamante chains. Sonia kept her accessories to a minimum for TV's night of nights, opting for simple elegance as she sported stacked rings on one hand and a massive gem on the other. The Dancing With The Stars host also rocked a fresh burgundy manicure, nude lip and smoky eyes as she styled her blonde locks into loose waves. Evelyn, 29, chose an equally eye-catching number, also strapless and also made of a metallic fabric. The dress was designed by Australian couture dressmaker, Ryan Patros. The frock featured rows of layered beading, adding to the similarity seen in Sonia's diamante accents. The show-stopping dress featured a daring, sheer ruched design, a sultry draped neckline and a structured bodice that highlighted her toned physique. She revealed her chic brunette bob, which was styled in glossy, face-framing waves, while her makeup was pure Hollywood glamour. Fans were quick to praise Evelyn's transformation on social media, with many declaring she looked 'absolutely flawless' and 'even more stunning than on MAFS.' The brunette reality star is attending the event alongside fellow MAFS star Duncan James, the pair sharing red carpet hosting duties with 9Honey. The clashing frocks are bound to raise eyebrows, but what really caught the attention of attendees was the huge yellow gem shining on Sonia's ring finger, surrounded by smaller diamonds. The two began their romance shortly after Sonia split from her British banker husband, James Davies.
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Richard Marx's cringeworthy red carpet moment caught on camera as he arrives at the 2025 Logie Awards
Richard Marx has been caught in an awkward moment at the 2025 Logie Awards. The American singer, 61, who is taking to the stage as this year's international performer, arrived at The Star in Sydney on Sunday with his wife Daisy Fuentes in tow. Richard looked suave in a navy blue suit and sky blue tie, while Daisy stunned in a dramatic black and white polka dot gown. However, after walking the red carpet, the Hazard hitmaker was spotted in a cringe-inducing moment as he filmed a Glambot video. In a clip exclusively obtained by Daily Mail, Richard could be seen in an intimate embrace with his wife, holding her waist as the pair gazed directly at one another. However, as they waited for the Glambot to start filming, the moment grew increasingly awkward as the seconds passed. Richard Marx (left), who is taking to the stage as this year's international performer, arrived at The Star on Sunday with his wife Daisy Fuentes (right) in tow. Eventually, the couple were given the go-ahead by the cameraman, and they could be seen touching their foreheads together before turning to the camera and putting their arms around each other. Last week, Richard was announced as this year's Logies entertainment, set to perform alongside one of our own. The singer, who has sold 30 million albums worldwide and is the name behind '80s hits such as What About Me? and Right Here Waiting, will deliver a medley of his iconic hits alongside homegrown star Guy Sebastian, who will sing his new track, Get It Done. Following the announcement, Richard released a statement revealing that his passionate Aussie fans inspired him to bring 'something special' to his Logies performance this year. 'Australians have always been huge supporters of my music and have brought their passion and infectious energy to my live shows across the decades,' he said. 'It is a privilege to be performing at Aussie TV's biggest night of celebrations. I can't wait to deliver something special for those at home and in the room.' Also on the musical line-up is beloved Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes, who will headline the night with a repertoire spanning four decades of fan favourites. Jimmy, who has 21 number-one albums under his belt as well as a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame, revealed he couldn't wait to 'get the party jumping' at the annual awards ceremony. Richard, who has sold 30 million albums worldwide and is the name behind '80s hits such as What About Me? and Right Here Waiting, will deliver a medley of his iconic hits alongside homegrown star Guy Sebastian, who will sing his new track, Get It Done 'I am excited about playing at the Logies, television's big night of nights,' the 69-year-old said. 'It will be great to celebrate all the fantastic talent we have in Australian television, and to play some rock'n'roll music to get the party jumping.' Richard, Guy and Jimmy will be joined by the likes of Kitty Flanagan, Hamish Blake and Leigh Sales, who are just a few of the presenters expected to wow the crowd. It has also been revealed that Sam Pang will host the event for the third time. Sam's cheeky and irreverent comedy as host last year and in 2023 proved to be a big hit with audiences and TV's A-list, as well as a major ratings winner for Seven. 'It's been an honour to host the last two years and I'm looking forward to again celebrating the talented people and amazing shows that combine to make the Australian television industry something everyone can be proud of,' Sam told The Herald Sun. 'I am very excited to return for another Logies and would like to thank Seven for asking me back.'
