Bargain Hunt's Eric Knowles' health battle as he recalls childhood cancer scare (original) (raw)
Eric Knowles has become a familiar face to BBC viewers thanks to his role on Bargain Hunt - but his life hasn't always been easy as he's faced a number of challenges
Eric Knowles has been on screens since the 80s(Image: publicity pics)
Eric Knowles, widely recognised as one of the familiar faces on BBC's Bargain Hunt for his antiques expertise, didn't always have an easy life. The presenter endured a tough childhood which saw him hospitalised over a cancer scare.
The details of his struggles were mostly hidden from the public until he delved into his history in the BBC show Matron, Medicine and Me. In it, he discussed the NHS's evolution, reflecting on his own experiences with a disease once deemed a "death sentence".
While the programme is sadly no longer available on iPlayer, it featured Eric revisiting his journey to hospital in a 1960s ambulance, embodying how far he has come since then.
During his poignant return, Eric encountered oncologist Dr Margaret Rokicka and understood better the process behind his eventual diagnosis of glandular fever, instead of the feared leukaemia.
Eric Knowles is a presenter on Bargain Hunt(Image: (Image: BBC))
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The series also saw Eric learn about medical advancements that now enable the NHS to successfully treat most cases of childhood leukaemia. His heartfelt interactions included meeting a young cancer patient, echoing his time working as a porter at Bonhams, as well as shadowing current hospital porters Steven Shaw and Andy McHale on duty, reports the Express.
Paying homage to his northern roots, he made a trip to Manchester to visit the birthplace of the NHS, which was launched in 1948.
To conclude his journey, Eric paid a visit to the daughter of a paediatrician from Burnley who had treated him as a child.
Despite his childhood illness, Eric seems to have no lasting effects and is currently leading a healthy life.
The 71 year old Lancashire native continues to passionately support health charities, including Headway and FABLE (For a better life with epilepsy).
As an antiquarian specialising in ceramics and glass, he has also taken on the role of non-executive director at scottishantiques.com.
Eric Knowles now lives a healthy life(Image: (Image: BBC))
Bargain Hunt airs on weekdays on BBC One at 12.15pm