Edwina Bartholomew is determined to complete her luxurious country pub renovation despite shock cancer diagnosis

Edwina Bartholomew has revealed she is determined to complete her luxury pub renovation project in regional New South Wales despite her shocking cancer diagnosis.

The 41-year-old veteran presenter, who tearfully told Sunrise on Friday’s live broadcast that she has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, said her project in Carcoar will continue.

“We are continuing with this incredible project despite this health setback,” Edwina said realestate.com.au.

‘I love being in the countryside. It will be lovely to spend more time with family and enjoy life at a slower pace.’

Earlier this year, Edwina finally got permission to make her dream come true: converting a run-down pub in the countryside, 251km from Sydney, into a luxury holiday resort.

The popular Sunrise presenter bought the 177-year-old property in Carcoar, NSW in May 2023, but the project has been severely delayed in the conservation town.

She added that working on the house would keep her busy and take her mind off the terrifying cancer diagnosis.

“This is a condition I will learn to live with. Our renovation has been a nice distraction and will continue to be so for the next few months,” Edwina continued.

Development applications reveal that the old pub, which the couple have renamed Saltash Farm, will include three new guest houses, a house and a guesthouse, as they transform the pub into a beautiful retreat.

On Friday morning, Edwina announced in an emotional broadcast that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

“I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. It’s a shock and it’s hard to say,” she told Sunrise viewers, her voice breaking with emotion.

“It’s a very good kind. It’s called chronic myeloid leukemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I’ll be absolutely fine.”

The veteran TV star began to cry before telling the audience: “I thought I could handle it.”

Edwina went on to say that it was her co-star Natalie Barr who was given the early diagnosis. Her co-star was also diagnosed with cancer in June after a routine skin check discovered cancer on her nose.

Concerned about her own health, Edwina visited her doctor for a mammogram, blood tests and a skin examination, only to be told the terrible news.

“I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps. That was all fine. I even had an eye exam. That’s fine. But my doctor sent me for routine blood tests at the same time,” Edwina continued.

Edwina said she also wanted to share her sad news because she wanted to encourage others to prioritize their health too.

“Please, especially for mothers who are always taking care of everyone, take care of yourself. And just go see your doctor,” she said.

After thanking her bosses at Sunrise, Edwina told viewers she will be taking ‘some time off in September’ before cutting back on her work at Sunrise.

The former Dancing With The Stars co-host said she will reduce her work responsibilities to just a few days a week at Sunrise when she returns.

“Despite appearances, I feel very positive about it. It really is the most fortunate accident that has ever happened to me,” she assured viewers.

“I’m just incredibly grateful that I found it, and incredibly grateful that this is the best case scenario.”

A sympathetic Natalie held Edwina’s hand during her announcement.

“First of all, we’re really sorry you’ve had to go through this, but like you said, the treatment is pretty good. Just explain it to us,” Natalie said.

Edwina pulled herself together and explained: ‘We are so lucky. I can literally take a tablet every day. My life expectancy doesn’t change.

“I just need to take care of myself and rest. We’re incredibly lucky to have access to that in this country, and that’s the kind of [of cancer] I have.

‘Also, I’ve responded really well to the medication so far, which is fantastic. I have no side effects.

‘I also had no symptoms, that’s why I wanted to give that health warning in the first place. I had nothing.’

Edwina went on to say that chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) often causes no symptoms, but can become very serious if left untreated.

Edwina began her career at Sunrise when she got an internship in the mid-2000s, where she progressed from making coffee to producing the show.

She worked for a time as a reporter at 2GB and covered the Beijing Olympics for Seven, before taking a job as a reporter at Seven News.

In 2011 she returned to Sunrise as a Sydney correspondent and in 2013 she replaced Grant Denyer as weather presenter.

Three years later, Edwina exchanged her role as weather presenter for that of presenter of entertainment programs. She also became a permanent substitute for the news.

She then rose through the ranks and in 2021 replaced Natalie as newsreader, who took over the role of co-host from Samantha Armytage.

In March this year, Edwina replaced Jodie Speers as presenter on Sunrise Early News, formerly known as Seven Early News.

The Seven star has children Molly, four, and Thomas, two, with her husband of six years Neil Varcoe.