Edwina Bartholomew has revealed she is determined to complete the renovation project of her luxury country pub in regional New South Wales, despite her shock cancer diagnosis.
The veteran presenter, 41, who tearfully shared live on Sunrise on Friday that she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, revealed that her project at Carcoar is moving forward.
“We are moving forward with this incredible project despite this health setback,” Edwina said. realestate.com.au.
“I love being out in the country. It will be great to have a little more time with my family to enjoy life at a slower pace.”
Earlier this year, Edwina finally received approval to go ahead with her dream of turning a run-down country pub 251 kilometres from Sydney into a luxury retreat.
The popular Sunrise presenter purchased the 177-year-old property in Carcoar, New South Wales, in May 2023, but the project has hit major delays in the heritage-listed town.
She added that working from home would help her stay busy and take her mind off her scary cancer diagnosis.
“It’s a situation I can deal with and live with. Our renovation has been a lovely distraction and will continue to be so in the months ahead,” Edwina continued.
Edwina Bartholomew (pictured) has revealed she is determined to complete the renovation project of her luxury country pub in regional New South Wales, despite her shock cancer diagnosis.
Development applications reveal the former pub, renamed Saltash Farm by the couple, will consist of three new guest cottages, a house and a main guest house, while turning it into a stunning getaway retreat.
On Friday morning, Edwina revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in an emotional on-air admission.
“I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. It’s a shock and it’s hard to say,” she told Sunrise viewers, her voice breaking with emotion.
“He’s a really good guy. It’s called chronic myeloid leukemia. It’s treatable with one pill a day. If I can take care of myself, I’ll be fine.”
The veteran presenter, 41, who tearfully shared live on Sunrise on Friday that she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, revealed that her renovation project at Carcoar is going ahead. Pictured here.
“We are moving forward with this incredible project despite this health setback,” said Edwina
The veteran TV star began to cry before telling the audience: “I thought I could keep it together.”
Edwina went on to reveal that her co-star Natalie Barr was actually the one to thank her for being diagnosed so quickly – her colleague had her own cancer scare in June, after a routine skin check discovered skin cancer on her nose.
Worried about her own health, Edwina visited her doctor for a mammogram, blood tests and a skin check, before discovering the heartbreaking news.
“I had a mammogram after I developed some lumps and the results were normal. I even had an eye exam. That’s fine. But my doctor sent me for routine blood tests at the same time,” Edwina continued.
Earlier this year, Edwina finally received approval to go ahead with her dream of turning a run-down country pub 251km from Sydney into a luxury retreat.
Edwina said the other reason she wanted to share her sad news was because she wanted to encourage others to prioritize their health as well.
“Please, especially moms who are always taking care of others, take care of yourself too. And consult your doctor,” she said.
After thanking her bosses at Sunrise, Edwina revealed to viewers that she will be “taking some time off in September” before scaling back her work at Sunrise.
The former Dancing With The Stars co-host said she will reduce her work responsibilities to just a few days a week on Sunrise when she returns.
“Despite appearances, I feel very positive about it. Honestly, it is the worst misfortune that has ever happened to me in my life,” she assured viewers.
“I’m beyond grateful to have found it, and beyond grateful that it’s the best case scenario.”
Natalie, understanding, held Edwina’s hand during her announcement.
“The first thing we want to say is that we are very sorry that you had to go through this, but as you say, the treatment is quite good. Tell us about it,” Natalie said.
The popular Sunrise presenter purchased the 177-year-old property in Carcoar, New South Wales, in May 2023, but the project has hit major delays in the heritage-listed town.
Edwina pulled herself together and explained: “We are very lucky. I can literally take one pill a day. My life expectancy doesn’t change.”
“I just need to take care of myself and rest. We’re incredibly lucky to have access to that in this country, and that’s the type (of cancer) I have.
I’ve also been reacting very well to the medication so far, which is fantastic. I have no side effects.
“I didn’t have any symptoms either, that’s why I wanted to give that health alert. I had nothing.”
Edwina went on to say that chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) often has no symptoms, but can become very serious if left untreated.
Edwina got her start at Sunrise when she won an internship in the mid-2000s, where she moved from making coffee to producing the show.
She spent time as a reporter at 2GB and covered the Beijing Olympics for Seven before landing a job as a reporter at Seven News.
She then returned to Sunrise as a Sydney correspondent in 2011 and replaced Grant Denyer as weather presenter in 2013.
Three years later, Edwina left her role as weather presenter and moved into entertainment presenter, also becoming the main news substitute.
She then continued to rise through the ranks and replaced Natalie as news anchor in 2021, when she took over as co-anchor from Samantha Armytage.
In March this year, Edwina replaced Jodie Speers as presenter of Sunrise Early News, which was previously known as Seven Early News.
The veteran Seven star has children Molly, four, and Thomas, two, with her husband of six years, Neil Varcoe.
On Friday morning, Edwina revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in an emotional on-air confession and will be taking some time off to be with her family before returning to Sunrise to work just two days a week. She is pictured with husband Neil Varcoe and son Thomas.