Former Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell – who onscreen is known as Zoe Tate – has revealed that she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The actress was told that she has stage 4 lung cancer and therefore not curable or operable. However, the mum-of-two has remained positive and has created a fundraising page with her partner Jez Hughes with plans to get treated at a clinic in Germany.
On the fundraising page Ali explained after feeling breathless while walking up the stairs: “My abdomen suddenly ballooned - and within a matter of a few days I looked heavily pregnant. I could barely walk or breathe.
“Then, one Saturday night at the beginning of September I ended up in A & E. I was subsequently given an emergency procedure to remove a large amount of fluid from around my heart.”
However, after the emergency procedure she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The former actress who is now a yoga teacher has remained positive: “In their opinion, that means it’s terminal, not curable, not operable.
“A fairly brutal and bleak diagnosis but one I am determined to challenge and see from the perspective of “a glass half full,” going against a lifetime of pessimism, negativity and fear!!!”
After doing some research Leah and her partner discovered a clinic in Germany called Hallwang which they believe has found: "incredible breakthroughs being made in the field of immunotherapy and integrative medicine, which are seeing previously 'incurable' cancers going into complete remission."
While acting on Emmerdale Leah’s character raised awareness of LGBT issues after Zoe Tate and Charity Dingle had the shows first lesbian kiss. Zoe's character also brought attention to mental illness after her character had a Schizophrenic breakdown.
Leah has made it clear: “My priority is getting well and strong, so that I can continue to endeavour to be a good, mother, daughter, wife, or at least the best I can be.
“My priority is to defy expectation. My priority is to love, to laugh, and, as Bob said, to "keep on keepin' on".
The couple have asked people to donate to their Fund Me page and so far in two days the Zoe’s fund has raised over £18,000.
To donate to her page, visit Go Fund Me.
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