RTE Fair City Star Shares Heartfelt Journey Caring for Mum Post-Cancer Surgery

Johnny Ward Opens Up About Mother’s Health Struggles

RTE Fair City star Johnny Ward has shared details about his mother Kathy’s ongoing health battle. After the death of Johnny’s father in 2019, Kathy was diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, known as broken heart syndrome. Since then, her health has declined, including a heart attack and a stroke.

Following Kathy’s stroke, Johnny moved back into the family home to care for her. He mentioned that his sister Maureen assisted during his work commitments. Recently, Kathy was diagnosed with cancer and has spent significant time in and out of the hospital.

Kathy underwent a complex procedure called Whipple surgery, where parts of her pancreas, gallbladder, and bowel were removed. Recovery has been slow, but she is now in convalescent care, a step towards returning home.

Johnny expressed gratitude for the support system around him, highlighting the proximity of Tallaght Hospital and St. James’s Hospital, which have been vital for their care needs. He also appreciates his friends, family, and neighbors for their help during these challenging times.

Although caring for his mother is demanding, Johnny finds joy in spending time with her. He has made sacrifices, such as canceling a planned trip to Lanzarote due to his mother’s health situation. He is committed to maintaining a supportive and stable environment for her.

In addition to caring for his mother, Johnny has partnered with Lidl to support Family Carers Ireland. This initiative aims to raise €1 million over the next three years to aid family carers across the nation.

After a five-year absence, Johnny recently returned to Fair City, where he plays Ciaran Holloway, a character known for his notorious kidnapping storyline. His return has brought excitement to fans of the show, reigniting discussions about his character’s dramatic past.