Leah Bracknell, 55, was told she had a matter of months to live when she was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago. Earlier this month, the former Emmerdale actress raised awareness for a Cancer Research and NHS campaign, urging people to support the organisations in order to provide life-saving services to diagnose and treat cancer. “I’m standing #shouldertoshoulder with the NHS and @CR_UK to tackle staff shortages and ensure everyone diagnosed with cancer is given the best chance of survival,” she told her 2,786 Instagram followers. “Over 110,000 people are diagnosed too late for meaningful treatment for their cancer in the UK,” she continued.
“Staff shortages and inadequate diagnostic training is costing lives.”
Leah went on to draw on her own experience with the NHS in diagnosing and treating her cancer.
“My own experience, despite contact with 4 GPs, did not pick up on the severity of the situation and meant I was rushed to hospital where a life saving operation had to be performed,” she said. “I was extremely lucky.
“I had not shown ANY of the classic symptoms associated with lung cancer.” the former Emmerdale star explained. “And due to the stigma surrounding smoking and cancer I did not fit the statistical profile of someone with lung cancer.
“So medical professionals are missing the bigger picture especially as up to 15% of lung cancers are diagnosed in NON smokers,” Leah told fans, adding: “Often very young.
“Please support this vital call for improving services for the sake of your loved ones and yourselves,” she urged.”
Leah is a mother to two children with her husband Jez Hughes.
She is best known for playing Zoe Tate on ITV soap Emmerdale from 1986 until 2005.
After her departure, she became a yoga and meditation instructor.
Just days before posting on Instagram to support the NHS and Cancer Research, Emmerdale’s Leah Bracknell opened up on “fear” in a defiant message about cancer.
Writing on Instagram, she said: “One thing, cancer, I do know; and I make this vow – I am NOT giving all my power away to you. You cannot destroy my life entirely.
“You cannot steal my humour, my capacity for love, you cannot keep me prisoner in a rictus of fear.
“You can’t stop me laughing or dreaming of the future, or dancing or praying, or drumming or rattling or singing or roaring at the stars and howling at the moon,” she added.
“I’m riding bare-back through life so put that in yer pipe!”(sic)
Fans flooded to the comments section to praise the actress’ outlook, with one thanking her for being an “inspiration”.
“Never a truer word,” another chimed in, while a third said: “Courage and strength sent your way.”
