Funeral details announced for TV star Julian Benson, who died aged 54
The funeral details for TV star and former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson have been announced.
Mr Benson died peacefully at St Vincent's Hospital on Saturday at the age of 54, surrounded by his family and friends.
He will lie in repose at Fanagans Funeral Home on Dublin's Aungier Street on Friday, April 25 from 5pm to 7pm. A requiem mass will be held the following morning at 11am in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, with a funeral afterwards to be held at Glasnevin Cemetery.
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age, Mr Benson's mother Maura was told he would not live into his teens. His death came after he had a kidney transplant last October.
He revealed his diagnosis publicly for the first time in an appearance on the Late Late Show in 2018 and went on to found the Julian Benson CF Foundation, an organisation helping to support people living with cystic fibrosis.
Mr Benson and the organisation have been working on the development of Tranquility House on Grosvenor Road in Dublin, which will provide accommodation for families of people living with cystic fibrosis while they undergo treatment.
A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Mr Benson became widely known in 2017 when he became a judge on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars. He became known as 'Captain Sparkle' in a nod to his custom-made, sparkly outfits.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mr Benson's family said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson.
"Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis.
"His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.'
Mr Benson is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, nieces Leah and Ailbhe, nephew Cian, cousins, relatives, close friends and their families, and his wider circle of friends.
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