As Irene looked through old photos and postcards, lamenting the fact that she wouldn’t be able to visit all the places around the world she’d hoped to see one day, Sonny (Ryan Bown) pointed out she still had time, and that she shouldn’t let her diagnosis rule her immediate future.

Opting to seize the day, Irene announced the very next day that she was going to put the Beach House on the market, and use the money to fund a trip around the world.

Irene’s loved ones, particularly John (Shane Withington), were concerned about her decision, but she assured them that she was putting arrangements in place to ensure her safety.

She would be staying with various friends along the way, and would otherwise be travelling with carers.

Although friends including Leah (Ada Nicodemou), Justin (James Stewart) and Alf (Ray Meagher) vowed to support her following her heartfelt plea, it took John a little longer to get his head around the idea of losing his best mate.

As the final itinerary came together this week, Irene was dealt a harsh dose of reality when John found her at the diner, having completely forgotten that she no longer worked there.

Not wanting to waste a moment longer, Irene decided that she wasn’t going to wait another six weeks as planned, and would leave Summer Bay as soon as possible.