Monty Don, the beloved presenter of Gardeners' World, has spoken candidly about the moment he realised he was 'going to die' following a serious health scare in 2008. The 68-year-old suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke, which forced him to take a leave of absence from the BBC show.
In an interview with The Times, Don described how the experience made him 'terribly aware' of his own mortality. 'A stroke makes you terribly aware of your own mortality,' he said. 'I wasn't well so I couldn't do much. I couldn't drive. In a way, it was a good time because I had to stop.'
Don recalled the moment he realised the seriousness of his condition, telling The Guardian in 2009: 'I said to my wife Sarah, 'God, something funny is happening; I may be having a stroke.' I remember thinking, 'Oh, get a grip, you're fine'. I turned to Sarah and said, 'Hold me because I think I'm dying and, if I am, I want to die in your arms.''
The horticulturist, who recently returned to screens with Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens, reflected on the lessons learned from the ordeal. 'All the clichés are true — the things that matter are love, family, friends, a nice glass of wine or cup of tea,' he said. 'Not fame, not fortune. Nobody on their deathbed is going to say, 'I wish I had been more famous.''
A TIA is caused by a temporary disruption in blood supply to the brain, often due to a blockage. According to the NHS, it serves as a warning sign of a potential full stroke, which can lead to permanent disability. Don's symptoms included dizziness and a 'funny feeling', which he initially ignored before seeking medical advice.
