Kerri-Anne and John Kennerley experienced some incredible achievements together over the years.
Now, as the tragic news comes of John’s passing, it’s more important than ever to remember the epic hurdles he overcame since his a catastrophic fall in 2016, which left him in a wheelchair.
In fact, to be able to move just one finger, doesn’t seem like such a big ask, but it was life-changing for the 76-year-old.
“He can move one finger to operate his chair,” a friend of the couple told Woman’s Day in 2017.
“He can’t actually lift that hand with the working finger up without assistance,” they added, saying even this small step forward was huge for Australia’s favourite couple.
John has come such a long way since his fateful fall last year.
In 2016, Kerri revealed that it would be a year before they knew what sort of movement John would be left with in the longer term, admitting there was very little hope he would significantly improve, but she still wished for a “miracle”.
“John always seems upbeat.”
“It’s quite remarkable really. He speaks very well but he can’t move his head or anything like that. That said, he’s still make incredible progress in the past 12 months through sheer determination,” the source said.
On February 27th, Kerri shared the tragic news that her husband had passed away, writing on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart and awful sadness that I let you know that my beautiful husband John passed away last night,” the Studio 10 host revealed alongside a stunning black and white photo from their 1984 wedding day.
“As you all know, John has faced some tremendous challenges over the past few years and with each he has been extraordinarily brave and determined to overcome those hurdles and live a normal life.I want to thank everyone at St Vincent’s Hospital for the beautiful care they have provided to John in his last days.”
Signing off, the beloved television personality revealed her husband of 35 years took his final breath surrounded by the two most important people in his life.
“John passed away peacefully with his son Simon and I by his side. John, you were the love of my life. Xxx,” the 65-year-old explained.
Looking back on the accident that changed their lives forever, Kerri and John’s world was turned upside down in In March 2016 while the couple were enjoying a night of celebrations at the picturesque Bonville Golf Resort.
The pair were laughing with friends and posing for photos when John stepped back from the restaurant’s ledge and fell onto the lawn, landing on his head.
The British businessman was placed into an induced coma before being flown to ICU to be treated by specialists at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
John’s fall left him with quadriplegia, but his and Kerri’s love and support for one another never faltered.
In an interview with Sunday Night, John said his wife had been an incredible pillar of strength throughout his recovery.
“[Kerri-Anne] is very loving and she has been the strength of my whole recovery,” John explained. “Without her I don’t think I would have attempted it but, as I say, she was there when I woke up and she has been with me every day.”
He added: “It is really, really been hard… I have appreciated it, she never faltered. Never faltered.”
WATCH: LOGIES 2017 – Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s emotional tribute to John:
For more coverage on John Kennerley’s passing:
Kerri-Anne Kennerley confirms her husband John Kennerley has died: “You were the love of my life”
The incredible achievement Kerri-Anne’s husband John made after his tragic accident
Busy is a simple word for it… Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s new kind of normal
The touching time a fire brigade helped Kerri-Anne Kennerley and her husband
Kerri-Anne Kennerley celebrates wedding anniversary with husband John in hospital
