Richard Madeley has revealed his wife Judy Finnigan almost died six years ago after vomiting a litre of blood. The broadcaster recalled the terrifying moment Judy was rushed to hospital in 2019, during a discussion about his decision to give up alcohol in November, which he admitted was a direct result of Judy’s health scare. Judy has also now quit drinking.

What a terrifying experience

Speaking about the day he almost lost his wife of 38 years on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Richard said:
“She’d been taking Ibuprofen for sore knees and had no idea that taking it on an empty stomach could seriously affect the stomach lining. I dialled 999 and the ambulance arrived in about four minutes. They put her on a drip and took her to the Royal Free in Hampstead, and she had two blood transfusions.”

Judy, 77, underwent emergency surgery six years ago to remove four ulcers above her stomach lining, including one in an artery, which was believed to be the cause of her excessive bleeding. Richard admitted that it was “touch and go” and that if he had waited too long to call an ambulance, Judy would have more than likely bled out.Richard and Judy have been married 38 years

He added:
“While she was coming round, the surgeon said, ‘She’s going to be fine. Did you call the ambulance immediately?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ and he said, ‘Good, because if you’d waited another 20 minutes she probably would have bled out.’ Half an hour more and she would have died.”

Richard and Judy have been married since 1986 after meeting while working at Granada TV. They have two children: Jack, 39, and Chloe, 37.