Edwina Bartholomew Reveals Surprising Living Arrangement with Husband That ‘Genuinely Healed’ Their Family: ‘A Decision We Had to Make’

This version retains the core elements of the original title, streamlines the language, and avoids sensationalism while preserving the quoted emphasis on healing and necessity.

Sunrise Star Edwina Bartholomew Reveals Unconventional Family Living Arrangement
By Megan Watts for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 05:57 BST, 16 April 2025 | Updated: 06:34 BST, 16 April 2025

[Image: Edwina Bartholomew smiling, caption: Edwina Bartholomew opened up about her family’s unique living situation.]

Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew, 41, has shared a surprising update about her family life, revealing she and her husband, Neil Varcoe, live apart during the week to prioritize their health and well-being. The couple, who share daughter Molly, five, and son Tom, three, only reunite on weekends and holidays—a decision Edwina says “genuinely healed” their family.

Neil relocated to regional New South Wales after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, while Edwina and their children remain in Sydney. “What we were doing clearly wasn’t working,” she told The Australian Women’s Weekly. “He lives three hours away, but it’s been the best thing for us.”

[Image: Edwina with Neil and their children, caption: The couple’s weekend reunions keep their family strong.]

Edwina, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 2023, described the arrangement as vital for their survival. “Neil’s move to the country helped him recover, and I’ve been able to focus on managing my health,” she explained. CML, a rare blood cancer, requires ongoing treatment but is manageable without chemotherapy in many cases.

At Marie Claire’s International Women’s Day event in March, Edwina reflected on her diagnosis: “It was a gift—it put things into perspective. I didn’t have to go through intense chemotherapy, so I could keep life semi-normal for my kids.” She emphasized gratitude for her manageable symptoms, adding, “I still look the same, so I haven’t had to explain it to them.”

The TV star also humorously admitted to forgetting a recent blood test, saying, “It’s not front of mind for me anymore.”

[Image: Edwina speaking at an event, caption: Edwina shared her cancer journey at a Women’s Day luncheon.]

Edwina and Neil’s long-distance marriage began in 2023 when he moved to pursue farming. “Each weekend, we traipse back and forth or meet halfway,” she told Stellar Magazine last year. Despite challenges, the setup has strengthened their bond. “It’s the only way we would have survived as a family,” she said.

Fans praised Edwina’s candidness, with many calling her resilience “inspirational.” Her story highlights the power of unconventional choices in balancing health, family, and career.

For support, contact Cancer Council Australia at 13 11 20.