Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian has shared her terror after discovering she had cancer just months after having her second child.
The soap star who shot to fame after playing Becca Den for seven years on Hollyoaks moved to West Cork with her husband David O'Mahony and daughters Isabella, 19 months, and Isla, four, last year.
However the family's new dream life in the country took a turn when discovered a lump in her left breast while breastfeeding her daughter Izzy.
Presuming she had mastitis, she went straight to the A&E as it was a bank holiday weekend, however when antibiotics didn't clear the lump, a scan revealed she in fact had cancer.
The actress has said she is having chemotherapy, but that she will also undergo a single mastectomy and radiotherapy.
And speaking on World Cancer Day, Ali has spoken out about the 'angel' Irish nurse who cared for her, urging people to support Ireland's cancer services.
Ali revealed how the nurses in Cork had even helped her tell her children, she was ill, a conversation every parent would fear.
"After I received my breast cancer diagnosis, I went to the Daffodil Centre at the hospital in Cork, I met with an incredible Daffodil Nurse who sat with me and offered me so much comfort and warmth.
‘She talked me through the best way to tell my children the news about my cancer and all the resources I might need to help get me through my treatment", she recalled.
"The Irish Cancer Society has been such an invaluable support for me and my family," says Ali. "You could say they were my first port in this storm."
"Later, when I started my chemotherapy, I had to stay overnight in the hospital. My Daffodil Nurse called up to the ward to see me in my bed, she was honestly like an angel. Having that human support, someone to hold your hand and guide you through such a challenging time - I can't put into words what it means."
Ali continued: "I am still navigating my experience with cancer, but I want anyone going through something similar to know, you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. We all live in a world where we try to be as independent as possible, but going through something like cancer, it is so important to let in as much love and support as possible.
"It's predicted one in two of us will hear the words 'you've got cancer' in our lifetimes. Each and every person should experience the same level of support and care that I had, I want to pay it forward, so I am encouraging everyone to support Daffodil Day in whatever way they can."
She added: "I really can't fathom how different my cancer experience would have been without them. So please, go all in against cancer this Daffodil Day to give hope to every person facing this disease in Ireland."
Today, on World Cancer Day, the Irish Cancer Society is also launching new, holistic services to meet some of the unmet needs of cancer patients across Ireland. These free services include a Diet and Exercise programme, helping to improve cancer patients' quality of life following a cancer diagnosis.
They are also introducing a Welfare and Supports service, which will work to address additional challenges facing patients and their families by advising on issues like social welfare entitlements, medical card applications, housing and mortgages, childcare or talking to your workplace about your diagnosis.
To access these services, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Free- phone 1800 200 700 or at cancer.ie.
Daffodil Day takes place on Friday, March 28. Visit cancer.ie to get involved or learn more.
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