His first cancer diagnosis was in 1999
ITV News reported Gary Burgess has sadly passed away aged just 46 after his long battle with cancer.
Burgess, who lived in Jersey and often covered Channel Island news for the broadcaster, is said to have died peacefully in Jersey Hospice on New Year’s Day according to ITV’s own report.
🎅🏻 From us and ours to you and yours, wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
🎄 May your day be filled with love, hope, and happy memories to cherish. pic.twitter.com/AI8djTFMIX
— Gary Burgess (@GaryBurgessCI) December 25, 2021
The long-serving broadcaster was first diagnosed with testicular cancer way back in 1999 and despite having only opened up to employees and industry peers about his now terminal illness on Christmas eve 2020, he had already faced treatment for half of his life.
After undergoing chemotherapy and having two tumours successfully removed in 2015 and 2016, things looked to have been improving but cancer came back and he bravely chose to address the situation head-on.
Our dear friend and colleague Gary Burgess was recently given the news that he may only have six to 12 months to live. After a whirlwind few weeks he decided now was the time to talk about how he is dealing with this. You can watch the full interview here: https://t.co/IwZwZlb2qF pic.twitter.com/aARCyWCCNA
— ITV Channel News (@ITVChannelTV) December 8, 2020
Despite having retired from his role at ITV back in August of this year, Burgess still did his best to spread awareness around not only testicular cancer but his other illness: ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) – he even ran a YouTube channel dedicated to it.
Tributes are pouring in online as his colleagues remark on how he “was the most extraordinary, ordinary person.” Close friend Jane St. Pier wrote: “He connected with everyone he met. I am so grateful to have had him as a friend. My thoughts and love are with Alan, Gary’s family and everyone who loved him.”
The world is a less bright place without the truly brilliant Gary Burgess. He was the star of the show, no matter what programme he was broadcasting on. Even now, just thinking of him I smile. He cared. He really cared. And he was damn good fun to share an Espresso Martini with. https://t.co/uVN6ijlGSt
— James Webster (@JamesWebsterITV) January 2, 2022
As well as having worked at ITV for many years, Burgess had also spent plenty of time with BBC Radio Guernsey, with the station also paying their respects to the seasoned journalist.
We are sorry to have to share the sad news of the death of our friend and former colleague Gary Burgess. After many years of fighting cancer Gary died peacefully in his sleep on January 1st at Jersey Hospice. We remember his time as our BBC Radio Guernsey Breakfast presenter pic.twitter.com/AWBFFIfMVK
— BBC Guernsey (@BBCGuernsey) January 2, 2022
In a statement from his husband Alan, he thanked the various hospitals, hospices and medical facilities that helped him throughout his long fight, as well as the general public, stating that “At times we have found the volume of messages to be almost overwhelming, but we were always thankful for the positivity, warmth and support shown to us both.”
He went on to sign off simply by saying: “You did a lot of good, Gary. A lot of good.”
Rest in peace.
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