Eamonn Holmes Reveals “Harsh Reality” of His Life in a Wheelchair and Struggles with Mobility

GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes has shared his struggles with mobility, describing his reliance on a wheelchair and the challenges of needing assistance for everyday tasks. During a discussion on the Breakfast Show about Christmas travel disruptions, Eamonn reflected on the difficulties he faces when using public transport.

“The train definitely could be a dream, but I’m now sort of wheelchair laden. You rely on a lot of people to get you on and off. It’s very, very difficult doing that,” he admitted, adding, “I just threw that in… it’s not a concern to anybody, but there we go,” expressing a sense of resignation.

His co-host, Isabel Webster, quickly showed support, acknowledging the struggles many people in similar situations face. “Well, it’s a consideration lots of people in the same position as you, Eamonn,” she said.

Eamonn has been grappling with mobility issues since undergoing back surgery, which led to severe complications. While he can take short walks using a walker, he frequently relies on a wheelchair. Earlier this year, he opened up about his ongoing “epidemic of pain” and the emotional toll of potentially never walking unaided again, reports the Express.

In a candid interview, Eamonn reflected on this “harsh reality,” sharing his frustration and hope for improvement. He admitted to the Irish Independent, “I have tried every treatment, but you go, ‘Maybe I’ll never get out of it,’ which is a harsh reality to face.”

The physical challenges have also had a deep emotional impact on Eamonn. Tragically, his condition prevented him from attending his mother Josie’s funeral in November 2023. Speaking bitterly, he said, “It’s as if somebody up there is playing with my life. In the past year, I’ve had an operation on my back which went wrong and has confined me to a wheelchair. I’ve fallen and broken my shoulder. Honestly, you could not make it up.”

Despite these struggles, Eamonn has found support in his colleagues, particularly Isabel Webster. Recalling a difficult time while reporting from outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Eamonn described feeling “humiliated” by the physical challenges. “There was scaffolding everywhere, and if I needed the toilet, it took me ages to get around it. It was humiliating and really wearing me down.”

Isabel, however, stepped in to help. “On the long route back to the car, Isabel took my weight and steered me,” Eamonn remembered. Isabel added, “I went into nurse mode” and did everything she could to assist him.

Eamonn’s candid reflections continue to shed light on the realities of living with mobility issues and the emotional toll they can take, while highlighting the importance of compassion and support from those around him.