BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson was left devastated after his wife, Charlie Gilbert, received a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis. The popular BBC presenter was deeply affected by the news that his partner of 28 years had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 following a health scare.
During medical examinations, doctors discovered a four-and-a-half centimetre tumor on Charlie’s pancreas, which was located in a challenging position. Reflecting on their long-term relationship, Charlie expressed the significance of their decision to get married, stating, “After 28 years together, you do get a bit complacent, but getting married was suddenly really important – we didn’t know how long we had left, and I wanted Adam to know I was committed to him.”
Following Charlie’s proposal, the couple tied the knot, resulting in an emotional moment for the 58-year-old Adam. He admitted, “We cried a lot. Those vows cemented my emotions and let me say from the heart how I feel about Charlie. The registrar wasn’t aware of our situation and said she’d never had such an emotional couple. For us, it was a way of saying goodbye to everyone.”
Adam further shared his emotional journey, revealing the tears and overwhelming emotions that filled the room during the ceremony. He described Charlie’s entrance in an ivory dress, accompanied by her mother, as a poignant moment. Birmingham Live reported that the reception was also marked by tearful moments, particularly when Adam delivered his speech.
Charlie opened up about the difficult circumstances surrounding their wedding day, stating, “It was a horrible position to put everyone in because you’re trying to be happy, but I was going into the hospital the next day and didn’t know if I’d be coming out. It was the best possible last day I could have had.” The day after their celebration, Charlie underwent surgery.
Reflecting on the importance of their loved ones, Adam emphasized the support they received from friends and family. He confessed, “Friends and family are even more important to us now – they’ve been so supportive. In the past, I’d push the children to be more career-focused and get ahead. But now I’m kind of – just have a lovely time. Look after yourselves – but have a lovely time doing it because you just don’t know what’s around the corner.”
