HOLLYOAKS’ Ali Bastian has made a heartbreaking plea to fans for financial help as she shared a health update on her battle with breast cancer.
The 42-year-old actress played Becca Dean in the Channel 4 soap from 2001 to 2007.
Ali, who was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in June and has been undergoing chemotherapy, posted a photo of herself in a wood and gave some background about her cancer battle.
She is about to face surgery to remove her breast in the coming weeks and, as she gathers her strength, she asked fans to donate enough to buy a coffee on the link buymeacoffee.
All of the proceeds will go towards lifesaving cancer research.
She wrote in the post: “So I had my last chemo on Friday! Def more to say about this part of the ride, but I’m just recovering now and getting my strength up for surgery in a few weeks.”
She went on to add: “A lovely follower recommended I put one of these links up, as I think sometimes people would like to help but are unsure how.
“I have sat with it for a few weeks as I wasn’t sure how I felt.
“But here it is!
Any coffee is greatly and warmly received.
“I know times are hard and strange, so please, no pressure AT ALL!”
She added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support and kindness.”
Ali discovered the lump while breastfeeding her daughter Isabella.
She told OK! Magazine in an interview: “It was a total shock”
“I have mornings when I wake up and I’ve forgotten and then suddenly I remember.”
The actress now lives in Ireland with her husband and two children.
It was only when she was breastfeeding that she thought she had a blocked duct but it didn’t clear up, even with antibiotics.
After her chemotherapy, she will next have a single masectomy followed by chemotherapy.
She hopes that sharing her journey and the appeal will help to raise awareness of the symptoms for more women like her.
If you would like to donate visit her page
Meanwhile if you have any of the following symptoms be sure to consult a GP.
