FORMER Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson urged people to never take life for granted in a moving speech delivered just months before his death. The talented dancer and choreographer sadly passed away, aged 54, after a "courageous battle" with Cystic Fibrosis. 3 Julian Benson sadly passed away after a 'courageous battle' with Cystic Fibrosis Credit: www.kipcarroll.com 3 The TV star made his final public appearance at the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event in December Credit: Kyran O’Brien Photography 3 The brave star is the founder of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Credit: www.kipcarroll.com Julian, who was diagnosed with the illness at just two, was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin. The brave star decided to keep his diagnosis a secret for over 40 years as he wanted to embrace life fully, rather than let his illness define him. During an appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in 2018, he revealed his lifelong illness on air. The TV star shared his dreams of establishing a charity to support the community for those with the same illness. After that night, Julian announced the birth of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, also known as JBCFF, and now his legacy will live on in Tranquillity House. The beloved ballroom icon made his final public appearance at the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event in December, where he delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech. Julian began his speech by revealing he had undergone a kidney transplant and had recovered well enough to attend the charity ball. He told the guests: "I wasn't sure I was going to be here, but I am, and I am so happy. It is a good news story. "Some of you may have known that I have been on dialysis for the last couple of years." He continued: "People with Cystic Fibrosis have to deal with a lot. They have kidney issues, renal issues and heart issue. But they are the strongest warriors in the world. Julian Benson reveals 'best thing he's done in life' in heartwarming RTE clip "They get on with it and they live their lives. Believe in hope and anything is possible." On the night, Julian proudly introduced a full table of doctors and nurses from St Vincent’s Hospital Dublin, where he had received his transplant. Guests were wiping away tears as he warmly thanked the medical team, who were behind his operation. He said: "There are very special people in the room tonight. To the Beaumont transplant team, it is as a result of their care that I am able to get through this and to be here. I feel like a new man." Julian also paid tribute to his late mother Maura, dedicating his self-belief and resilience to her unwavering love and support. 'LIFE IS SHORT' During the emotional speech, he told the audience he was "so lucky" and that "life is short", as he urged everyone to never take it for granted, because he never did. He then added: "I am going to continue my mission and I am going to continue to thrive. "I hope to be a shiny beacon for people and the Cystic Fibrosis community. Thank you for all of your support, it doesn't go unnoticed." In 2022, the foundation purchased an abandoned Victorian redbrick in the south Dublin suburb of Rathgar. As founder of JBCCF, it was Julian’s dream to build a space that could cater for people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families when they travelled to Dublin for treatment. Patients can be in hospital for long periods of time, which is very difficult for both the patient and the families. Julian, throughout his life, had witnessed the low moments for patients while in hospital. For families to visit and spend time with their loved one is expensive and stressful so Julian's plan was to build a home away from home for the families - a "home with a hug".