A My Kitchen Rules contestant has opened up about her devastating health diagnosis, which came just weeks before she was set to appear on the 2024 series.
Mother of one, Ash Irwin, who is set to make her debut on Seven Network’s hit show next week, revealed that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) just a month after applying for the series.
Ash, 32, decided not to let the potentially debilitating disease hold her back from pursuing her culinary dreams.
‘In hindsight, it made me more driven to want to get on the show and inspire others who might be in a similar position to me… to try and utilise every opportunity that comes in life,’ Ash tells Adelaide Now.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and is three times more common in women than men.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, making Ash’s diagnosis all the more poignant.
Elsewhere in the interview, Ash’s teammate Cassandra, also 32, praised her best friend.
‘It was all happening as we were going through the auditions and then getting on the show,’ she said.
Ash Irwin, who is set to make her debut on My Kitchen Rules next week, revealed that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) just a month after applying for the series. (Pictured)
Ash decided not to let the potentially debilitating disease hold her back from pursuing her culinary dreams alongside her best friend and fellow contestant, Cassandra Lawless
‘But she did, and nothing held her back – it’s amazing.’
Despite the challenges, Ash’s MS is currently ‘stable,’ though she experiences reduced sensation in her fingers on her left side and tingling and numbness in her legs.
In a heartfelt Instagram post back in September 2023, Ash first opened up about her diagnosis, recounting the frightening symptoms she experienced.
‘The symptoms I experienced were tingling, numbness, and weakness in the left side of my body. I couldn’t text, type, scratch an itch or pick things up with my left hand. I struggled changing Billie’s nappy and couldn’t manage the tiny buttons on baby clothing, which made me sad,’ she wrote.
The diagnosis process was agonising, taking seven long days from presenting to the emergency department to receiving a formal diagnosis.
‘In hindsight, it made me more driven to want to get on the show and inspire others who might be in a similar position to me… to try and utilise every opportunity that comes in life,’ Ash tells Adelaide Now
In a heartfelt Instagram post back in September 2023, Ash first opened up about her diagnosis, recounting the frightening symptoms she experienced
‘Working in the healthcare sector as a dietitian and having previously worked in the neurology department at Flinders Medical Centre, my mind naturally diverted to the worst-case scenario,’ Ash confessed.
But despite the fear and uncertainty, Ash remains determined to stay positive.
‘I endeavour to remain positive and be present and thankful for every moment. This diagnosis has enabled me to reflect on what is truly important in my life,’ she shared, expressing her gratitude for her supportive husband, beautiful daughter, and the good healthcare accessible in Australia.
My Kitchen Rules premieres Monday September 9 on Channel 7 and 7plus.
MKR starts Monday September 9 on Channel 7 and 7plus
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk