The Burning Land, Alagiahs debut novel, was shortlisted for a Society of Authors award in 2020. George Alagiah captures the essence of the emerging global village. Recalling the. 1961, George's parents shifted to Ghana, West Africa, where Alagiah joined Christ the King international School. How, I wonder, does he manage the pain if it strikes suddenly while he is reading the headlines, or interviewing someone live in the studio? [26] In October 2022, Alagiah announced that his cancer had spread further and he took a break from TV to undergo a new series of treatment. Alagiah has also worked as a BBC News foreign correspondent and specialist on Africa and the developing world, covering events including the Rwandan genocide and interviewing Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Alagiah says he now has a 'tumour site' at the base of his back. Im trying very hard not to get emotional.. "It's. BBC newsreader George Alagiah was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014. George Alagiah with his sisters, mother and father in Sri Lanka, 1959; and with his sisters and mother in Ghana, 1965 . It is invented by nature to get you through anything. He draws a comparison with tight spots he got into in his award-winning career as a BBC foreign correspondent. Dont miss to subscribe to our new feeds, kindly fill the form below. He has been married to Frances Robathan for over 30 years. Read about our approach to external linking. My relationship with Macmillan is more of the latter not too out there., His approach is different from that of Dame Deborah James, the campaigner who also had bowel cancer and died in June, eight years after her diagnosis. Alagiah earned a degree in political science from Durham University. ', "And actually, when I look back and I looked at my journey the family I had, the opportunities my family had, the great good fortune to bump into (Frances Robathan), who's now been my wife and lover for all these years, the kids that we brought up it didn't feel like a failure.". It took me that long to feel comfortable in my Britishness; to reach a point where I didnt feel it could be taken away. When he was six, his parents moved to Ghana, West Africa to avoid persecution. Each day, news reporters, forecasters and presenters work hard to gather information and deliver to public via news programs, radio and news papers. There is no joy sometimes without sadness and they feed off each other. He pauses, as if to ask himself if he is really going to say what he is about to say. That day, it was okay.'. But I cannot wait until they're the ones driving the car and I'm the one snoozing in the back. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. His parents Donald Alagiah, an engineer, and Therese were Sri LankanTamil. In the aftermath of the Asian tsunami in 2004, George returned to his grandfathers original home in Sri Lanka to assess the damage. Im not too scared for myself, but Im here on the third floor of our house, he says, almost over his shoulder. We werent poor people, by the way, but it is just the way things were in Sri Lanka in the 1950s. And I am looking out of the window at Frances setting out the tablecloth on our garden table, and it occurs to me, is she going to have to do that for herself one day, and eat on her own?, The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. On April 17, 2014, George was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and was treated for it. Since the marriage, George and Frances shares two children togethers. Alagiah first met his spouse during his days in the Univerisity. (In 2011 he drew on his own experience to make a BBC2 series, Mixed Britannia. One thing you learn is that with cancer each day is a different day., Born in Sri Lanka, the middle child in a family of five, and the only boy, his parents Donald and Therese Tamil Catholics, a minority group in the islands population left for west Africa when Alagiah was six, deciding (correctly, as subsequent history has shown) that they wouldnt get a fair chance in their own country. The duo tied the knot in 1984 and they have two sons, Adam Alagiah and Matthew Alagiah. He has been on chemotherapy almost constantly since 2014 though with a 15-month break when the cancer appeared to have gone. He is widely popular as the news presenter of rthe BBC News at Six, and former main presenter of GMT on BBC World News since 1st February 2010. Learned politics at Van Mildert College, Durham University. George Maxwell Alagiah OBE is a British newsreader, journalist, and news presenter who began his career as a reporter and correspondent for the BBC in 1989. There have been times when even lying down makes it worse.'. My career took me to some of the most dangerous places on the planet, and nothing ever turned out quite as bad as I thought it might., What has changed as a result of diagnosis, he says, is his understanding of the richness of each day. ", Alagiah takes break from TV for cancer treatment, George Alagiah reveals his cancer has spread, George Alagiah's debut novel up for author's award, Alagiah 'overwhelmed' by viewers' support, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. He was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in. [21][22] In January 2018 it emerged that the cancer had returned and he would undergo further treatment. The BBC turned me down three times at the start of my career, and Im grateful. Sexuality: N/A. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Since 3rd December 2007, George is the sole presenter of the Six O'Clock News. In an interview in January 2022, the BBC newsreader said: Probably [cancer] will get me in the end. Poor leadership is definitely part of it., His father started working as an engineer in Ghana. Education: The education details are not available at this time. He has lost count of the number of rounds, more than a hundred not the 17 sometimes mentioned in reports, he points out, making a plea for old-fashioned accuracy in journalism. Its really tough there now, he says, on the basis of regular conversations with cousins still in Sri Lanka. The 66-year-old journalist was diagnosed with stage . His public profile made it inevitable, when he shared his cancer diagnosis in 2014, that there were approaches from charities wanting to involve him. What I have is a tumour that is resting very close to the spine and, as far as doctors can make out, has eroded a bit of a vertebra. 09:57 GMT 04 Sep 2022 The popular journalist George suffered a lot but his wife and family were always by his side. Moreover, there are ho rumors or controversies about the couple that leads into their separation or divorce. Laterthe programme was replaced as The World. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. George Alagiah has revealed he has a 'tumour site' at the base of his back and has spent 18 months in 'extreme pain' - as he opens up on an eight-year battle with bowel cancer. The 65-year-old BBC newsreader was first diagnosed with stage 4. My granddaughter's birth was a spiritual experience. There isn't much information available about Adam, but Matt is the Editor-in-Chief of @itsnicethat. Alagiah has been married to wife Frances, a former executive with the Fairtrade Foundation charity, for more than 30 years after the couple, who have two sons in their thirties, met at university. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, George Alagiah, 66, and Frances Robathan, 61, have been married for 37 years, George Alagiah and wife Frances, accompanied by their sons Adam, left and Matt, right, at Buckingham Palace, first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He said in June 2020 that the cancer had spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes. In 2004, he returned to his grandfather's original home in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami to survey the damage. Adam Alagiah and Matthew Alagiah are two sons of George Alagiah and are his most treasured family. Alagiah then took a role reading the Six O'Clock News in 2007. BBC newsreader George Alagiah, 66, left viewers and colleagues emotional today over his return to broadcasting.Earlier this afternoon, George had taken to Twitter to announce his return to the . George Alagiah reflects on cancer journey alongside Sheridan Smith. Its has been decades, George has been working for BBC, and no doubt he gets paid in huge numbers. Both are sons, Adam Alagiah (23 years old) and Matthew Alagiah (19 years old). At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. Alagiah stands approximately at a height of 5 feet 10 inches tall and he weighs 87 kg. The journalist, 66, returned to the BBC's News at Six in April. I dont think I would have had it if I had not been living with cancer, and been in a position where I had to think if I have one year, or two years, how do I navigate myself through that., He now goes through a small ritual every evening as he goes to bed. George Maxwell Alagiah(BBC), Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Education, Family, Career, Salary and Net Worth. George's Photo George Alagiah Wife The only time he even starts to look his age is when he puts on a striking pair of dark pink specs to work out how to turn off a message that keeps appearing on his computer screen. But there is uncertainty, he says, over whether it may have to change. But thats right now and it may not be true for tomorrow. Born in 1955, we will celebrate his 66th birthday on 22 November 2021. His agent said at the time that he was dealing with a further spread of the . BBC newsreader George Alagiah has said he feels 'lucky' for the life he has lived even though cancer will 'probably get me in the end'. And on continuing to read the news despite his diagnoses, he adds: 'Going into the newsroom doesnt kill any cancer cells, thats for sure. I dont know if that is too much information., Even though he is on a low dose, he explains, he has ulcers in his mouth. George Alagiah is a British newsreader and journalist who joined the BBC in 1989, working as a reporter and correspondent. Taking a job at South magazine informed how I report on international affairs to this day. George is currently serving as a main relief presenter for BBC Ten O'Clock News. Diagnosed with cancer Being healthy, being content, being physically comfortable is as much about the mind as it is the body., He uses breathing techniques taught to him by his very clever and imaginative osteopath to calm his mind and deal with its reaction to the pain caused by the tumour next to his spine. There seemed something so powerful in a new life entering the world while another, mine, was so compromised. Alagiah first joined BBC News at Six (1984) as a newsreader in 2003 and became a much-recognized face of BBC news, also presenting slots in BBC News at Ten (2000) and BBC One O'Clock News (1986), among others. [4] His parents, Donald Alagiah, an engineer, and Therese, were Sri Lankan Tamil. BBC presenter George Alagiah has admitted that reading the news while he has cancer leaves him "absolutely knackered physically".. And if you, or someone you know, have been affected by cancer, information and support is available on the BBC's Action Line page. Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. "You're allowed to scream.you're allowed to crybut do not give up". He adds that there are days where he wakes up 'feeling like s**t' and can have a 'energy collapse'. The duo is living a blissful conjugal life and is also blessed with two children; sons, Adam, 30, and Matt, 25. George at home with his wife Frances in North London, Source: Daily Mail Alagiah gained huge fame after working for BBC in 1989. Alagiah underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy to treat his advanced bowel cancer in 2014 and said he was a "richer person" for it upon returning to presenting the following year. My sons Adam and Matthew, who are 23 and 19, are amazing guys. He has won multiple honors, including the Royal Television Societys Best International Report in 1993 and the Amnesty International UK Media Awards Overall Winner in 1994. He was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014; the terrifying journey of the guy. George Alagiah interviews Stacey Heale from Southampton, whose husband Greg has bowel cancer, along with the charity's former Chief Executive, Deborah Alsina MBE, on what it's like caring for a loved one with the disease. Disappointing stats on NTP uncovered by. Read about our approach to external linking. Before that, Alagiah was the deputy anchor of the BBC One O'Clock News and BBC Nine O'Clock News from 1999. He is the third born. It is an . [19] A statement from the BBC said: "He is grateful for all the good wishes he has received thus far and is optimistic for a positive outcome." Understanding sadness, he reflects, helps you understand joy. Reports on why affirmative action in America is a Lost Cause for the Assignment program, Saddam Husseins genocidal campaign against the Kurds of northern Iraq for the BBCs Newsnight program, and a report on the last reunion of Dunkirk veterans are among Alagiahs other documentaries and features. Alagiah has also been a vocal supporter of microfinance as a development tool, including recent appearances in support of Opportunity International. George Alagiah and Frances Robathan have two children - Adam, 34, and Matthew, 30. Speaking on the podcast with ex-Downing Street director of communications Craig Oliver, Alagiah said that when his cancer was first diagnosed, it took a while for him to understand what he "needed to do". Health Gap. In January 2003 he joined the BBC Six O'Clock News, which he co-presented with Sophie Raworth until October 2005, and with Natasha Kaplinsky until October 2007. Sam Moore. The novel is described as a thrilling, fast-paced thriller set in South Africa involving corruption and homicide.. For more celebrity details, stick on marriedceleb. It is incredible what adrenalin will do, he laughs. I didnt want my identity to define me. When asked what piece of wisdom he would give, he spoke about the need for people to think more collectively. GEORGE ALAGIAH is a recognisable newsreader and television presenter. The things that had gone well far outweighed the others, which brought me to a place of total contentment. Ive not had the anger but it takes quite a lot anyway to get me angry. The thing about bowel cancer is, it is all about poo and bums and people dont like talking about them. "There's this collective notion of life which I think we have lost. I'm hoping it's a long time from now, but I'm very lucky.". After completing his secondary education at St Johns College, a private Roman Catholic school in Portsmouth, England, he went on to Van Mildert College, Durham University, to study politics. By the time it came to me, they just wanted good people. 'More importantly, it is sitting very close to the nerve and the aorta. Aged 11, I got sent to a Catholic boarding school in Portsmouth. Later, he attended St. John's College, in England. Anyone who has lived with cancer will know this., The struggle to adapt lasted around a year, he recalls. George Maxwell Alagiah OBE is a British newsreader, journalist, and television news presenter. Ive had an amazing gift of a life for a man who was born into a house without a proper toilet. He is married to Frances Robathan, with whom he has two sons. As an immigrant child I mentally parcelled up all the things that made me different. Alagiah earns an average annual salary of between 325,000-329,999 at BBC. He doesnt like the martial language of battling the disease who am I in a battle with? Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, Harry: I feared losing memories of mum during therapy, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61. There was a work ethic about my mother, which I've also inherited. He covered everything from the Rwandan genocide to the hardship of the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq to the civil wars in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Somalia as one of the BBCs top international correspondents. Ive spent a lot of the last 18 months in extreme pain. If I were their age, I'd like to be their friend. Being a journalist is not an easy job. A specialist on Africa and the developing world, Alagiah has interviewed, among others, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. I respect the gentleness with which my dad nursed my mother before she died in 1996. Adam is 34 years old and Matthew is 30 years old as of 221. He last appeared on the programme in 2014. He also spoke about his treatment, saying: "My doctor's very good at every now and again hitting me with a big red bus full of drugs, because the whole point about cancer is it finds a way through and it gets you in the end. "I learned last time around how important the support of family and friends is and I am blessed in that . If there was a time when they wanted us to marry Asians, that disappeared with my eldest sister's first marriage. Speaking on the podcast Desperately Seeking Wisdom he said that when his cancer was first diagnosed, it took a while for him to understand what he "needed to do". In my job one cant decide that the view you subscribe to is the only one. His parents moved to Ghana in West Africa in 1961. Sleep deprivation was an issue, but I dont want people to think I am feeling sorry for myself.. [23][24], In March 2018, in an interview with The Sunday Times, Alagiah noted that his cancer was terminal and could have been caught earlier if the screening programme in England, which is automatically offered from the age of 60, was the same as that in Scotland, where it is automatically offered from the age of 50. Alagiah, 66, has been married to wife Frances, an executive with the Fairtrade Foundation charity, for 36 years. [7] If they all knew what I thought on every topic we report on, wed lose some of them. More importantly, it is sitting very close to the nerve and the aorta. That is clearly nonsense. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. When my cancer got into my lungs they arranged for us to have a conversation because it had got into hers too. Alagiah would undergo 17 rounds of chemotherapy and three major operations. George Alagiah's age is 67. He is on the Board of the Royal Shakespeare Company. If I were their age, I'd like to be their friend. During his days at Durham, Alagiah was a writer and editor for the student newspaper titled palatinate. Yes and no. George and Frances married in 1984, after meeting in Durham University, where they both studied. But, at that stage I was getting my head around this disease, and being told I had to sort my affairs out, desperately wanting to get better, worrying about my family and all those different emotions. We understood the sacrifice my parents had made in sending us to school so we wanted to make those holidays the best they could be for our parents. From 1999 to 2002, he was the deputy anchor of the BBC One OClock News and BBC Nine OClock News. If the full stop came now, would my life have been a failure? George, a specialist on Africa and the developing world, has conducted interviews with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, among others. And my sisters went to one in Littlehampton. He went to boarding school in England at twelve years old. I envy people who have faith. George Aliagiah is married to his wife Frances Robathan. Both of which are significant. ", "When the oncologist was looking at my scan, he kept gently shaking his head, and every time he did it was like a hammer blow. He spent a decade as the corporation's foreign correspondent, winning a Baftafor his coverage of the Kosovo conflict in 2000. His most popular book is A Home From Home: From Immigrant Boy to English Man. There is clearly a private story that runs in parallel with the public appearances. The globe looks different depending on where youre standing. Furthermore, Alagiah was a member of the BBC crew that won a BAFTA award for its coverage of the Kosovo crisis in 2000. In the showers, the other boys with tan-lines made jokes about how I was brown all over. George Alagiah and Frances Robathan have two children - Adam, 34, and Matthew, 30. George said in a March 2018 interview with The Sunday Times that his cancer was terminal and that it could have been identified earlier if the screening program in England, which is automatically offered from the age of 60, was the same as the one in Scotland, which is offered from the age of 50. Both are sons, Adam Alagiah (23 years old) and Matthew Alagiah (19 years old). @SchoolsWeek. Her sons always made their family feel like a sober family and make them complete. The journalist and Sheridan Smith are among those who have. The 41-year-old who rose to fame starring in popular sitcoms The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and . "I spent a lot of my time in Africa, and in South Africa they have a word: Ubuntu. Working in the newsroom "has been such an important part of keeping energised and motivated", said Alagiah. Series two Episode four: Surgery and bowel cancer