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Doctor Who and Marvel star debuts baby bump in glamorous red carpet appearance.
Virgin Radio
29 Apr 2024, 12:11
Credit: Rex / BBC
Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison has opened up about her ongoing battle with womb cancer over the past nine years and how she was supported by the late Dame Barbara Windsor.
The Heather Trott star, who appeared in the BBC soap from 2007 until 2012, was diagnosed with stage two cancer in 2015 after having a smear test which presented 'all clear', followed by back pain and blood spotting.
Speaking to Ok! Magazine, the mum-of-one said: "There were some dark moments, especially at night, when I thought, 'Am I going to die? Am I going to leave my husband without a wife, my son without a mum?'
"But the time is right to talk about it all now. I'm hoping my story might empower other women.
Credit: BBC
"I've been through a lot but I'm still here. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Cheryl, who works with her son at Whispers Cafe in Lytham, said about the sinister news: "I was in absolute shock; stunned to the core. I couldn't believe the doctor was talking about me."
Weeks later, it was recommended that she have a full hysterectomy. The news was hard to accept and 'any thought of having a child' with her second husband Yassine, who she had only just married, was taken away from her.
The star, who has a son from her first marriage to Jamshed Saddiqi, shared the frightening news with fellow actor friends including Barbara Windsor, June Brown, Steve McFadden, Paul O'Grady and Julian Clary.
Dame Barbara generously offered her financial help. Cheryl explained: "Barb said 'Right, darling, how much? How much are your bills and your mortgage because we'd like to support you'.
"I was in shock and said no but Barb was insistent - I wasn't earning. They sat there and wrote a cheque.
"I was sobbing but Barbara hugged me and said: 'Don't worry. We're always going to be here for you.’”
Credit: Instagram
Earlier this month, Cheryl was rushed to hospital 'in complete agony' but was 'home and on the road to recovery' soon after.
In a statement she revealed: "I was treated for an infection with six hourly antibiotics IV drips and at times was in complete agony.
"I'm glad to say the infection is subsiding and I am now I am home and on the road to recovery. My family have been by my side throughout this whole ordeal.
"Spending 24 hours in A&E was more than an eye opening experience. The pure abuse and overrun conditions that our health workers have to endure was painful to watch.
Credit: BBC
"I've been made a million times better by the angels that are all of the NHS staff which I wanna thank, like, big time. When people say they don't get paid enough - they really don't get paid enough.
"We've got a broken system. It's gone to pot. It's shot. But it's still amazing and we still have it - just, by a thread."
Cheryl, who was given the all clear, urged: "Listen to your body. Even if it’s the smallest concern - go and get checked because if you haven't got health, you've not got no wealth.”
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