THE last ever picture of Shane MacGowan shows the Pogues legend in good spirits.
The Fairytale of New York singer tragically passed away today after an eight-year long health battle.
Shane had been receiving treatment for viral encephalitis – a serious condition which leads to brain swelling.
He had been rushed to hospital as his wife Victoria Mary Clarke stayed by his side.
The singer remained in good spirits throughout his treatment, which included being put on a breathing apparatus, and was sent home last week.
Victoria said when we got home: “Shane got out of the hospital! We are deeply and eternally grateful to all of the doctors and nurses and staff at St Vincent’s it’s the best!
“And special thanks to Tom Creagh and Brian Corscadden for your help”.
She shared a snap of the Fairytale of New York star from his hospital bed, rocking a hat and scarf and beaming from ear to ear.
Shane had been hospitalised a number of times since the diagnosis and was thought to have been admitted again in June, but Victoria has not revealed the exact reasons why.
In a previous post on social media, Victoria thanked everyone for their kind messages and support while the icon battled the dangerous brain condition from hospital.
His loving wife wrote: “I just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone who has been messaging me and @ShaneMacGowan and thank you @spiderstacy and Terry Woods for coming to visit him.
“Love and prayers for everyone who is struggling right now. Hang in there!”
The singer’s health had deteriorated over the last few years, following an accident in 2015 when he broke his pelvis.
The injury left him unable to walk without a crutch and Shane was forced to use a wheelchair in the years that followed.
Last year, his injuries worsened after another fall saw the singer break his knee shortly after tearing a ligament which left him bedbound and struggling to eat.
Shane had been aided by his wife and a carer at their home in Dublin.
Victoria previously said: “I definitely want to help him to stay alive for as long as possible.”
