Eric Knowles illness explored as Bargain Hunt star recalls childhood health battle
Eric Knowles is one of the main faces of BBC's Bargain Hunt and he is known for offering his expertise when it comes to antiques. His life was not always plain sailing as the presenter faced a difficult childhood when he was hospitalised over a cancer scare.
His past was largely kept out of the public eye until he featured on a BBC programme called Matron, Medicine and Me, looking at the development of the NHS through his own personal experience. Although he was severely ill, his family were spared a disease that was, back then, considered a "death sentence".
Sadly the show is no longer available to watch on iPlayer, but it is known Eric relived his childhood experience in a number of ways. He was able to travel the route have taken to hospital in a 1960s ambulance.
Later he met with oncologist Dr Margaret Rokicka, where he learnt more about how his diagnosis was made. After weeks of testing, Eric was finally diagnosed with glandular fever rather than the suspected leukaemia.
During the programme, Eric also discovered other advances in medicine that have allowed the NHS to cure most childhood leukaemia. There were some emotional moments as Eric had the chance to meet a young patient receiving cancer treatment.
READ MORE Inside Bargain Hunt Eric Knowles' life, career and family tragedy [INSIGHT]
Eric Knowles is a host on Bargain Hunt (Image: BBC)Reminiscent of his time working as a porter at the auction house Bonhams, Eric accompanied hospital porters Steven Shaw and Andy McHale during one of their shifts.
In tribute to his northern roots, he went to Manchester to visit the hospital where the NHS was first launched back in 1948.
To mark the end of the experience, Eric visited the daughter of a paediatrician from Burnley who treated him when he was a child.
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Eric's childhood illness does not seem to have had any lasting effects and he appears to be living a healthy life now.
The 71-year-old, from Lancashire, still has a passion for supporting health charities including including Headway and FABLE (For a better life with epilepsy).
The antiquarian specialises in ceramics and glass and he went on to become non-exective director of scottishantiques.com.
Bargain Hunt airs on weekdays on BBC One at 12.15pm
Eric Knowles illness explored as Bargain Hunt star recalls childhood health battle
Eric Knowles illness explored as Bargain Hunt star recalls childhood health battle
Eric Knowles illness explored as Bargain Hunt star recalls childhood health battle
Eric Knowles illness explored as Bargain Hunt star recalls childhood health battle
Eric Knowles illness explored as Bargain Hunt star recalls childhood health battle
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