EastEnders' Kellie Bright has told fans her two young cousins are both fighting leukaemia, admitting she was "SO in awe of them".
The actress, 46, who plays Linda Carter in the soap, visited Katie and Myles' treatment centre along with her co-star Danny Dyer, 45.
Kellie told her followers her cousins both had the same form of leukaemia as she paid tribute to their nurses on Instagram.
Posting of a picture of herself with her cousin Katie and co-star Danny, who plays Linda's on/off partner in EastEnders, Kellie said: "I want to introduce you to my little cousin @katie_mayy.x who is currently battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) Here she is with all the wonderful nurses on the T12 (teenage cancer) ward at UCHL."
The actress told fans that Katie's younger brother Myles has also been diagnosed with the same type of leukaemia.
She explained: "It’s almost unheard of for siblings to have the same leukaemia as there is not supposed to be any genetic link.
"As you can imagine, it’s been really hard for them as a family to just keep going…. I am SO in awe of them and the courage they have shown (not just Myles and Katie, but mum and dad, nanna and grandad…) we are all keeping our fingers crossed that they will both be at home for Christmas."
Kellie then asked her followers to send Katie, who "knows I am posting this", their best wishes.
The touching post was flooded with comments for Katie and Myles, who flocked to send their love and well-wishes to the pair.
One wrote: "What a horrific story. Sending them both lots of love."
Another said: "Sending loads of love and positive vibes x".
While a third added: "Sending all the love and hugs in world to all of you xx."
Kellie and Danny rocked up in Albert Square together as Mick and Linda Carter almost 10 years ago in 2013, where they quickly settled into life as landlord and landlady of the Queen Vic pub.
However, in true Walford style, their relationship has been on the rocks more often than Mick's served pints at the Queen Vic.
The couple are currently apart, with Mick engaged to Janine Butcher, who is expecting his baby.
However, the side of Janine we all love to hate will return in a final twist this Christmas.
Charlie Brooks is quitting the soap amid a huge storyline for the also departing Danny.
In a final twist the evil Janine, who pushed ex-hubby Barry off a cliff, will return one last time.
Kellie has teased some huge drama ahead with the trio ahead of their double exit.
She confirmed that evil Janine would be back in full force, hinting the character will have one final roll of the dice as Shirley Carter uncovers her secret and all hell breaks loose in the Queen Vic.
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