TV show host reveals unusual family setup that sparked unexpected healing
By
Gian T
- Replies 8
In the ever-evolving landscape of family life, some paths take unexpected turns—choices that may not follow tradition but often lead to connection, resilience, and growth.
One public figure’s recent reflection on a personal arrangement has quietly resonated, offering a glimpse into the many forms that modern family support can take.
Edwina Bartholomew, a familiar face on the Sunrise program, has shared with The Australian Women's Weekly the startling details of her living arrangement with her husband, Neil Varcoe.
The arrangement has emerged as a response to significant health challenges faced by both.
The couple, who share two young children, daughter Molly and son Tom, have adopted a weekend-only cohabitation routine that defies the norm but has brought them closer unexpectedly.
The decision for Neil to relocate to regional New South Wales was driven by his diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that often requires significant lifestyle changes to manage.
The move, which Edwina describes as having 'genuinely healed him,' was necessary for the family's well-being.
'That was a decision we had to make for ourselves a few years ago because what we were doing clearly wasn’t working,' she explained.
Their arrangement sees Neil living three hours away from the family home, with reunions limited to weekends and public holidays.
This setup, while challenging, has proven to be 'the best thing, and probably the only way we would have survived as a family,' according to Edwina.
Edwina's health journey has further tested the family's resilience.
Last year, she revealed her diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a type of blood and bone marrow cancer.
Despite the gravity of such news, Edwina has maintained a positive outlook, even considering her diagnosis a 'gift' that has put things into perspective without the need for chemotherapy.
At Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon, Edwina spoke candidly about her experience with CML, emphasising how fortunate she felt that her symptoms were manageable and that she could continue with most daily activities.
'I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi-normal...I haven't had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same. It's been a real re-think in slowing myself down,' she shared.
Edwina's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of making tough decisions for family health and unity.
It also highlights the reality that many families face hidden struggles and that sometimes, the most healing path is one less traveled.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that life can throw curveballs, and how we respond to them defines our journey.
In other news, Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac faced a holiday ordeal in Switzerland after his fiancée, Rebecca James, broke her wrist in a fall.
The injury required surgery, and Sam commended Rebecca for staying calm and handling the pain with strength. You can read more about it here.
What drives families to choose unconventional living arrangements? How does illness reshape priorities in everyday life? Let us know in the comments below.
One public figure’s recent reflection on a personal arrangement has quietly resonated, offering a glimpse into the many forms that modern family support can take.
Edwina Bartholomew, a familiar face on the Sunrise program, has shared with The Australian Women's Weekly the startling details of her living arrangement with her husband, Neil Varcoe.
The arrangement has emerged as a response to significant health challenges faced by both.
The couple, who share two young children, daughter Molly and son Tom, have adopted a weekend-only cohabitation routine that defies the norm but has brought them closer unexpectedly.
The decision for Neil to relocate to regional New South Wales was driven by his diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that often requires significant lifestyle changes to manage.
The move, which Edwina describes as having 'genuinely healed him,' was necessary for the family's well-being.
Their arrangement sees Neil living three hours away from the family home, with reunions limited to weekends and public holidays.
This setup, while challenging, has proven to be 'the best thing, and probably the only way we would have survived as a family,' according to Edwina.
Edwina's health journey has further tested the family's resilience.
Last year, she revealed her diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a type of blood and bone marrow cancer.
Despite the gravity of such news, Edwina has maintained a positive outlook, even considering her diagnosis a 'gift' that has put things into perspective without the need for chemotherapy.
At Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon, Edwina spoke candidly about her experience with CML, emphasising how fortunate she felt that her symptoms were manageable and that she could continue with most daily activities.
'I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi-normal...I haven't had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same. It's been a real re-think in slowing myself down,' she shared.
Edwina's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of making tough decisions for family health and unity.
It also highlights the reality that many families face hidden struggles and that sometimes, the most healing path is one less traveled.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that life can throw curveballs, and how we respond to them defines our journey.
Edwina and Neil's story may resonate with many of you who have had to make difficult choices for the health and happiness of your loved ones.
The injury required surgery, and Sam commended Rebecca for staying calm and handling the pain with strength. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways
- Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew revealed her long-distance living arrangement with husband Neil Varcoe, where they see each other only on weekends and public holidays.
- The living situation was chosen to deal with Neil's chronic fatigue syndrome, which improved after moving to regional New South Wales.
- Edwina discussed the impact of her chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosis and how it has fortunately been manageable without intensive treatment.
- Edwina appreciates that her condition hasn't significantly disrupted her daily life or required her to explain the situation to her young children.