A brain tumour patient said her friendship with soap star Danielle Harold “means the world” after the pair met on the set of EastEnders.
Kylie Weatherby was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) – the same type of tumour as EastEnders character Lola Pearce – whilst pregnant with twins in May 2021. She underwent surgery two weeks later and has had radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
A passionate supporter of Brain Tumour Research – which, along with Macmillan Cancer Support, is working with EastEnders scriptwriters to ensure its brain tumour storyline is as realistic as possible – in March, Kylie was introduced to Danielle on the set at Elstree Studios.
Kylie, who is currently undergoing further chemo for a second brain tumour discovered six months ago, said: “I’m so grateful to the charity for organising my visit to EastEnders and for introducing me to Danielle, who I hit it off with straight away. It was without a doubt one of the happiest days of my life, and such an amazing treat after all the health issues I’d been having.”
The lifelong EastEnders fan was interviewed alongside Danielle on BBC Morning Live yesterday (Monday 29th May) where the pair discussed their special bond.
Danielle said: “It was great meeting Kylie and honestly felt like we’d known each other years. I showed her round the set, introduced her to my fellow cast members, chatted to her about her journey post-diagnosis and asked if there was anything I should do with Lola because it’s so important that I reflect what’s happening to real people in the brain tumour community.
“It’s been a privilege to play this storyline and to work so closely with Brain Tumour Research, which is the leading voice of the UK brain tumour community and does a fantastic job.”
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