Strictly's Amy Dowden gives inspirational speech at old school amidst breast cancer diagnosis

Virgin Radio

28 Jun 2023, 17:11

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has made an appearance at her old school and delivered an 'inspirational' speech to pupils in Birmingham following her recent breast cancer diagnosis.

The pro dancer, 32, gave a heart-felt speech at Hallfield School in the Midlands during their prize-giving day in front of students, parents and teachers.

The school shared a picture of Amy and wrote: "A truly inspiring speech from Amy Dowden for our pupils today. 

"A remarkable story of perseverance, hard work and selflessness, whilst overcoming adversity to get to the top of her profession. 

"Thank you Amy, you really are a superstar!"

One parent commented: "She gave such an amazing and inspirational speech for Hallfield's prize-giving day at The Great Hall, University of Birmingham.

"A great role model in teaching our girls to never give up your dreams and to always dream big. 'DON'T BE BITTER, BE BETTER!'

"Thank you Amy Dowden, I hope you get through the next battle you're facing."

Amy shared her concerning diagnosis in May after she discovered a lump just before going on her delayed honeymoon to the Maldives with her husband, Ben Jones.  

The star, who is set on making her Strictly Come Dancing comeback this year, recently underwent a single mastectomy and is waiting to find out if radiotherapy or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is needed.

She told The Mirror: "If I only have radiotherapy I'll be back on Strictly this season. Once radiotherapy is done there'll be nothing to stop me, there's no pressure but Strictly is leaving the door open. It's having something to work towards.

"I'm visualising myself on that Strictly dancefloor. Just being back in the ­ballroom with the live audience, the adrenalin and the atmosphere. And the support from the whole Strictly family."

She told HELLO previously: "You just don't ever think it's going to happen to you. I hadn't thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age.

"My mum has had breast cancer, but she had it at a later age, in her 50s."

Urging people to check their breasts, the star - who suffers with Crohn’s disease - admitted that awareness charity CoppaFeel! has 'potentially saved her life'.

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