Olivia Attwood opens up about family health scare, admitting that her sister ‘could have died’

"God knows, if men could get it we wouldn’t be having this conversation"

Olivia Attwood

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

Olivia Attwood has shared an impassioned post after her sister was admitted to hospital with a potentially fatal ovarian cyst, even though she was turned away from A&E three times.

The Love Island star uploaded a post by her little sister Georgia where she talks about undergoing emergency surgery after a genealogical examination uncovered a 6cm diameter solid ovarian cyst.

Even though Georgia was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015, she was brushed off by medical staff multiple times.

Olivia Attwood
Liv urged fans to take symptoms seriously ©Instagram story

Describing her symptoms as “unbearable” and “completely debilitating”, Georgia urged fans and friends not to ignore symptoms and to “normalise the discussion” around women’s health.

Weighing in on the issue, supportive big sis Olivia said, “As women we’re brainwashed into believing that struggle with level of pain that she was with her periods is normal – It’s just not.

CHECK OUT: Love Island series three - where are they now?

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Love Island series three - where are they now - slider

Love Island1 of 31
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Check out what the Love Island series 3 cast are up to now:

Amber Davies2 of 31
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Amber Davies

Despite a few ups and downs on the show, Amber was crowned the winner of series three alongside Kem Cetinay, with the pair landing a share of £50,000.

Amber Davies3 of 31
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Amber Davies

Although the pair moved in together and things seemed to be going well, Amber and Kem announced their split just before Christmas in 2017, just a few months after leaving the villa. The pair have seemingly remained friends, with Amber going on to focus on her career. After landing a number of promotion deals, Amber's dreams came true when she was cast in Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5 in the West End, playing the role of Judy Bernly.

Kem Cetinay4 of 31
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Kem Cetinay

He was one of the favourites to win the show from the start, and after he proved his loyalty towards Amber, there was no turning back for hairdresser Kem.

Kem Cetinay5 of 31
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Kem Cetinay

Since leaving the villa, and splitting from Amber, Kem has gone on to achieve huge success! Not only did he land a record deal with Love Island bestie Chris Hughes, he also appeared on Dancing On Ice in 2018, making it all the way to the final. Kem returned to DOI in 2019, this time as a backstage reporter, before later going on to land a showbiz reporter role on This Morning. As well as appearances and promotional deals, Kem has also just been revealed as Primark's first-ever male ambassador, bringing out a summer clothing range for the shop.

Olivia Attwood6 of 31
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Olivia Attwood

Olivia was certainly the Marmite contestant of the 2017 series, whilst some loved her outspoken tone, others were fuming she coupled up with Chris Hughes.

Olivia Attwood7 of 31
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Olivia Attwood

That didn't stop Olivia going on to have major success. The Essex-born girl landed her own TV show alongside Chris Hughes, before the pair sadly split up. She later appeared on Celebs Go Dating and landed a number of clothing deals, one with In The Style. As well as various modeling and promotional jobs, Olivia is now loved-up with Blackburn Rovers footballer Bradley Dack, with the pair often posting cute photos on Instagram.

Chris Hughes8 of 31
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Chris Hughes

Ahh, the lovely Chris Hughes! The nation fell in love with his puppy dog eyes and adorably cute personality back in 2017, and many were surprised he didn't actually win the show.

Chris Hughes9 of 31
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Chris Hughes

Since leaving the villa, Chris has become one of the biggest reality stars around, getting invited to prestigious events and landing massive deals, despite his split from Olivia Attwood. After landing his own TV show and record deal with BFF Kem Cetinay, Chris is now dating Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, with the unlikely couple looking VERY loved-up on social media. Chris is also a massive fan of horse racing and he's often spotted at some of the major events, including Cheltenham Festival and Ascot.

Camilla Thurlow10 of 31
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Camilla Thurlow

She took over the role of the nation's sweetheart in 2017, after she pushed down all Love Island stereotypes! After getting her heart broken a number of times in the villa, Camilla got the last laugh when she left hand-in-hand with hunky model Jamie Jewitt.

Camilla Thurlow11 of 31
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Camilla Thurlow

Camilla and Jamie are now one of the only couples from series three remaining, and they literally give us relationship goals every day. Meanwhile, Camila has put her fame to good use since she left the villa, working for a number of charities and returning to her humanitarian work in bomb disposal, something which was documented on her TV show, What Camilla Did Next.

Jamie Jewitt12 of 31
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Jamie Jewitt

He might not be Prince Harry (who she reportedly dated), but male model Jamie Jewitt had the nation gushing over him when he turned into Camilla's Prince Charming. (Who can forget THAT La La Land moment?!)

Jamie Jewitt13 of 31
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Jamie Jewitt

Similarly to Camilla, Jamie has remained grounded since he found fame, continuing to swoon in his modelling shoots. He also appeared alongside his girlfriend in her TV show, as well as attending a number of events with her.

Gabby Allen14 of 31
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Gabby Allen

Liverpudlian lass Gabby Allen coupled up with Marcel Somerville during her time in the villa, with the nation loving their cute romance.

Gabby Allen15 of 31
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Gabby Allen

Despite things looking like they were going very well between the two, Gabz dumped Marcel after he was caught cheating on her whilst they were on holiday together.Don't worry though, after taking part in Celebrity Big Brother in the summer of 2018, Gabby started dating former X Factor winner Myles Stephenson, with things going VERY well. The reality star also continued with her personal training business and she released a fitness book called 'Shape Up With Gabby'.

Marcel Somerville16 of 31
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Marcel Somerville

Viewers fell in love with Marcel during his time in the villa, not only for his relationship with Gabby, but also due to his hilarious commentary and analysis on his fellow couples.

Marcel Somerville17 of 31
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Marcel Somerville

Despite being caught red-handed when he cheated on Gabby, Marcel ironically released a book called Dr. Marcel's Little Book of Big Love. The singer also reunited with his former Blazin' Squad members, with the band performing a number of shows in London. Marcel is now a DJ.

Montana Brown18 of 31
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Montana Brown

Her facial expressions made the 2018 series, and things were looking up for Montana when she left the villa with Geordie boy Alex Beattie.

Montana Brown19 of 31
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Montana Brown

Despite splitting from Alex not long after leaving the villa, Montana has stayed in the spotlight, attending some of the biggest events such as The BRIT Awards, Coachella and various film premieres. The reality star is also a successful model and a brand ambassador for various different clothing brands. Montana is also still good friends with Gabby Allen, as well as Kaz Crossley from the 2018 series.

Alex Beattie20 of 31
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Alex Beattie

Love Island viewers gushed over Alex when he arrived late in the villa in 2018, and it didn't take him long to couple up with Montana Brown.

Alex Beattie21 of 31
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Alex Beattie

Alex didn't let his split from Montana get to him, he's now super loved-up with makeup artist Amy, with the Geordie PT posting a number of cute photos of the pair on his Instagram. Alex is still very big on his fitness, hosting an online fitness plan for fans, as well as continuing with his modelling.

Sam Gowland22 of 31
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Sam Gowland

After entering the villa as a late arrival, Middlesbrough lad Sam found it hard to find a girl, meaning he left the villa as 'friends' with former TOWIE star Georgia Harrison.

Sam Gowland23 of 31
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Sam Gowland

Fear not though, after leaving the show, Sam was quick to find a job, landing a spot in the cast of Geordie Shore, where he met Chloe Ferry. Unfortunately , the pair announced they'd split in May 2019, but revealed they have remained friends - good news if they are to continue filming Geordie Shore together!

Tyla Carr24 of 31
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Tyla Carr

Despite being dumped out of the villa, Tyla was linked with Jonny Mitchell, Mike Thalassitis and Theo Campbell during her time on the show.

Tyla Carr25 of 31
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Tyla Carr

None of these romances materialised though, and now Tyla is in a happy relationship with her boyfriend, with the pair welcoming a baby boy called Archie into the world in December 2018.

Jonny Mitchell26 of 31
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Jonny Mitchell

He was known as the boy who broke Camilla's heart for most of the show, but Jonny Mitchell didn't let that get to him during his time in the villa.

Jonny Mitchell27 of 31
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Jonny Mitchell

After leaving the show without a girlfriend, Jonny went on to appear in Celebrity Big Brother, and now he's engaged to model Danielle Zarb-Cousin. He's also still a big fan of making everybody jealous by posting some amazing looking photos as he travels around the world!

Dom Lever28 of 31
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Dom Lever

He was one of the nation's favourites when Love Island 2018 kicked off, and it seemed he was completely head over heels for Jess Shears when she arrived.

Dom Lever29 of 31
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Dom Lever

Despite NOBODY thinking they would last, Dom and Jess are now married, and actually look so loved-up on their social accounts. Dom is also enjoying a very successful career. As well as being a model and an influence, he make a lot of money with promotional posts on Instagram, alongside his wife Jess!

Jess Shears30 of 31
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Jess Shears

She wasn't the most popular contestant due to her treatment of Dom, but when the pair rekindled their romance on the outside, Jess seemed to change the public's opinion of her.

Jess Shears31 of 31
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Jess Shears

Now happily married to Dom, Jess, just like her husband, is a model and influencer... it must be nice!

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“Pardon the pun but just trust your gut – if you know something is wrong then don’t give up.

“If you consider that my sister went to A&E three times screaming in pain and they told her three times, it could be gas, it could be wind. That cyst could have burst and she could have died.”

Georgia Attwood
Her sister shared her shocking experience ©Instagram

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“There’s a lot of research into why there are so many failings around the diagnosis of endometriosis and all that,” she continued. “God knows, if men could get it we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but don’t get me started on that.”

The NHS describes endometriosis as a “condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes” and says it “can affect women of any age”.

It also specifies that “it can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.”

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