For over ten years, Joe Crowley has been a beloved fixture on BBC’s Countryfile, traveling across Britain to highlight rural communities, stunning landscapes, and the powerful stories of those who live there. Known for his upbeat attitude and deep commitment to countryside and environmental issues, Joe carries a profound personal story that has shaped his life.
At just 15 years old, Joe experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father to blood cancer. This painful experience inspired him to become an ambassador for the Anthony Nolan Foundation, a charity dedicated to connecting stem cell donors with patients battling blood cancer.
Reflecting on this loss during a 2020 appearance on BBC’s Anthony Nolan Storytellers, Joe shared, “When you lose someone you love from blood cancer, it is just devastating, and it will never be the same again. But we have learned to cope, and maybe we are stronger for it. As anyone who has ever lost a loved one will undoubtedly know, even the most joyous of days can be tinged with sadness.”
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Joe also revealed how thoughts of his late father surfaced profoundly on the day his son Alfie was born. Speaking about that moment, he said, “Becoming a parent for the first time is the happiest day of your life, but with all of the happy days, they are also the saddest. You are missing that person—in this case, my father, Alfie’s grandfather—who would have loved Alfie.”
In 2023, Joe joined fellow Countryfile presenters Sean Fletcher, John Craven, Matt Baker, and Anita Rani in the Countryfile Ramble, a special activity organized to raise funds for Children in Need. The group encouraged viewers to participate in sponsored walks within their communities to support the cause.
When asked about the significance of the ramble, Joe said, “It’s a lovely moment when we can move away from the traditional programme and come together for something really special. We meet some incredible young people, learn more about them, and spend time with them. Hopefully, we also make a difference, raise some money, and improve things for other children, just like them.”
Countryfile continues to air on Sundays on BBC One, bringing stories from across the countryside to viewers nationwide.