‘Pride comes before a fall’: Derryn Hinch breaks silence on recent health woes
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Derryn Hinch, the legendary broadcaster, journalist, and former senator, has never been one to shy away from the tough stuff—whether it’s holding politicians to account or facing his own health battles head-on.
Now, at 81, Hinch is once again showing us all what resilience looks like, opening up about his ongoing health challenges and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Despite a string of health issues that would have most of us putting our feet up, Hinch is determined not to let age or illness slow him down.
In a candid chat with 10News+, he shared how a nasty fall over Christmas left him with two black eyes and prompted a big lifestyle change: he’s now using a walker, which he’s affectionately named 'Johnny'.
Far from being embarrassed, Hinch is embracing his new mobility aid, crediting it with giving him back his independence and confidence.
'That will speed me up and gives me incredible confidence,' he said. And in true Hinch style, he’s got some advice for anyone else facing mobility issues: 'I say to anybody who has any leg problems, balance problems, get a walker. Pride comes before a fall.'
Hinch’s recent health journey has been anything but easy.
He’s undergone treatment for atrial fibrillation—a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat—and received radiation therapy for a melanoma on his forehead. These are just the latest in a long line of health hurdles for Hinch, who’s been remarkably open about his medical history.
Back in 2011, he underwent a lifesaving liver transplant after battling cancer and advanced cirrhosis, which he openly admits was the result of years of heavy drinking. 'It was just stupid. I drank far, far too much,' he reflected.
The transplant gave him a second chance at life, and he’s never forgotten the young donor or their family. 'I got a 28-year-old’s liver, and I met his family,' he shared. 'People criticised me because I still had my occasional glass of wine, white wine with ice in it or frozen grapes.'
In earlier news: Aussie TV icon faces criticism over controversial Facebook post! What did he say?
Some critics have questioned his decision to enjoy the occasional glass of wine post-transplant, but Hinch is unapologetic.
'I thought if I have five more years to live I want to live them well and enjoy my life.' And who can argue with that?
Of course, Hinch is known for much more than his health battles. He’s made headlines for his fearless journalism and his willingness to go to jail for what he believes in—most notably, for naming a convicted child abuser who was working with children.
That act of defiance led him to found a political party focused on protecting vulnerable children, and he played a key role in pushing for laws that prevent registered sex offenders from travelling overseas.
Also read: Rock star reveals shocking details about near-death experience, shares message for fans
One of his proudest moments came when then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull called to tell him the first offender had been stopped at Sydney Airport under the new law. 'I hung up and stood in this room and cried,' Hinch recalled.
As he reflects on his life and legacy, Hinch keeps things simple. When asked what he’d like engraved on his tombstone, he replied: 'He tried.'
Source: 10 News / Youtube.
If you or someone you know is facing health challenges, Hinch’s advice is worth taking to heart: don’t let pride get in the way of living your best life. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether you can make a difference, just remember—sometimes, all it takes is one person who’s willing to try.
Read next: Would you give a kidney to a stranger? One Aussie man quietly did
Have you faced a health challenge or made a big lifestyle change later in life? What advice would you give to others? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Now, at 81, Hinch is once again showing us all what resilience looks like, opening up about his ongoing health challenges and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Despite a string of health issues that would have most of us putting our feet up, Hinch is determined not to let age or illness slow him down.
In a candid chat with 10News+, he shared how a nasty fall over Christmas left him with two black eyes and prompted a big lifestyle change: he’s now using a walker, which he’s affectionately named 'Johnny'.
Far from being embarrassed, Hinch is embracing his new mobility aid, crediting it with giving him back his independence and confidence.
'That will speed me up and gives me incredible confidence,' he said. And in true Hinch style, he’s got some advice for anyone else facing mobility issues: 'I say to anybody who has any leg problems, balance problems, get a walker. Pride comes before a fall.'
Veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch has given an update on his ongoing health issues, including recent treatment for an irregular heartbeat and melanoma, but says he remains active at 81. Image source: 10 News / Youtube.
Hinch’s recent health journey has been anything but easy.
He’s undergone treatment for atrial fibrillation—a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat—and received radiation therapy for a melanoma on his forehead. These are just the latest in a long line of health hurdles for Hinch, who’s been remarkably open about his medical history.
Back in 2011, he underwent a lifesaving liver transplant after battling cancer and advanced cirrhosis, which he openly admits was the result of years of heavy drinking. 'It was just stupid. I drank far, far too much,' he reflected.
The transplant gave him a second chance at life, and he’s never forgotten the young donor or their family. 'I got a 28-year-old’s liver, and I met his family,' he shared. 'People criticised me because I still had my occasional glass of wine, white wine with ice in it or frozen grapes.'
In earlier news: Aussie TV icon faces criticism over controversial Facebook post! What did he say?
Some critics have questioned his decision to enjoy the occasional glass of wine post-transplant, but Hinch is unapologetic.
'I thought if I have five more years to live I want to live them well and enjoy my life.' And who can argue with that?
Of course, Hinch is known for much more than his health battles. He’s made headlines for his fearless journalism and his willingness to go to jail for what he believes in—most notably, for naming a convicted child abuser who was working with children.
That act of defiance led him to found a political party focused on protecting vulnerable children, and he played a key role in pushing for laws that prevent registered sex offenders from travelling overseas.
Also read: Rock star reveals shocking details about near-death experience, shares message for fans
One of his proudest moments came when then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull called to tell him the first offender had been stopped at Sydney Airport under the new law. 'I hung up and stood in this room and cried,' Hinch recalled.
As he reflects on his life and legacy, Hinch keeps things simple. When asked what he’d like engraved on his tombstone, he replied: 'He tried.'
Source: 10 News / Youtube.
If you or someone you know is facing health challenges, Hinch’s advice is worth taking to heart: don’t let pride get in the way of living your best life. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether you can make a difference, just remember—sometimes, all it takes is one person who’s willing to try.
Read next: Would you give a kidney to a stranger? One Aussie man quietly did
Have you faced a health challenge or made a big lifestyle change later in life? What advice would you give to others? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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