Amy Dowden has taken to social media to thank fans and friends for their support after bravely sharing her devastating breast cancer diagnosis. The 32-year-old revealed her diagnosis on Wednesday, May 25, after finding a lump just one day before her honeymoon.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional posted the personal news on Instagram, telling her 328,000 followers: "Hey all, I've got some news which isn't easy to share. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I'm determined to get back on that dancefloor before you know it. Welsh love Amy."
Amy, who hails from Caerphilly, then shared a candid interview she had done with Hello! Magazine, where she told the publication: "You just don't ever think it's going to happen to you. I hadn't thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age. My mum has had breast cancer but she had it at a later age, in her 50s."
Read more: Strictly's Amy Dowden diagnosed with breast cancer aged 32
The Welsh star, who has battled with Crohn's Disease since she was a child, was flooded with support and love from her Strictly family, friends, and fans. Commenting on the brave post, co-star Dianne Buswell said: "Our Welsh dragon is going to fight this!!!! And I cannot wait for the moment you are back on that dancefloor with us. We love you so much Amy."
As The One Show's Alex Jones said: "Oh Amy! Thinking of you and sending so much love. Cariad mawr," and Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas added: "Amy Dowden my precious girl. Nanny and I are thinking about you at this time. You are a strong example to so many of resilience which I've witnessed first hand.
"A beautiful kind and funny young lady who will face things head on. You are sooo loved. I'll see you soon my darling friend hugs and lots of warm cuddles."
Karen Hauer said: "We love you and we are here with you in every little step. You are strong and you will beat this."
Following the support, Amy shared a picture of herself on the dancefloor and wrote: "This feeling performing is like no other! The emotion. Excitement. Adrenaline and I can't wait for it again. It feeds my soutl.
"Thank you for every single comment and message today! It means so much to me and my incredible family I'm so lucky to be surrounded by! Thank you."
Amy revealed how it was her experience of doing the CoppaTrek! with Giovanna Fletcher, a fundraising 100km walk in support of breast health awareness charity CoppaFeel! last June, that ultimately led her to discover her own breast cancer.
Amy hopes that sharing will raise awareness of the disease and help others going through their own diagnoses. She said: "This last year, obviously, I made a conscious effort to check my breasts. CoppaFeel! has now potentially saved my life because I don't know how long this lump could have been there before I would have noticed and done something about it." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
Amy Dowden's heartbreaking years of health battles as she reveals she has breast cancer
- ITV This Morning's Dermot O'Leary replaced for special reason as presenter steps in
- ITV Lorraine in 'hilarious' fashion blunder as guest shows up in same £350 outfit
- Phillip Schofield responds to former This Morning co-star's heartfelt tribute
- This Morning's Rochelle Humes issues statement after ITV show's Phillip Schofield tribute
