The former wife of England rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer. Abby Cohen posted a video on to her Instagram page saying that she only had one symptom warning - which she ignored.
And the mum-of-two , who did not make any specific comment on her cancer and what the symptom was, warned others to make sure they ‘listen to their bodies’ and get anything suspicious checked out. In the moving video she showed herself and her new partner and her two daughters as she went through medical appointments in hospital, the Mirror reported.
She said they there was only one symptom, and has undergone an operation in hospital. The 44-year-old said: “This was and is the toughest yet. I’m unlucky, but lucky, to have been warned only once with a symptom of this terrible illness. With huge thanks to the NHS for saving my life and taking good care of me when I felt so scared and most vulnerable.
“I can’t express enough how lucky I am to have such amazing family and friends that have helped me through this incredibly tough journey. Never ignore your body when it’s trying to warn you, I didn’t and it’s given me a chance to live my new life. In time and with the right treatment. I’m hoping this WILL all be a distant memory for me. You never know how strong you are until it’s your only choice. #F**kcancer.”
Abby and Ben share twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle, 15, while Ben welcomed a third child, Mila, in 2016. The pair were married for 11 years before Ben fell for his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff following his spell on the 2013 edition of the dancing competition.
Her followers rushed to give their support. JUB the wren said: “Keep strong Abby, know how you feel, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 4 back in 2010 and like you, only had very little symptoms but I’m still here to tell the tale and surgery/chemo did amazing job to be cancer free for the past 13 years.”
Camdengirl67 added: “Stay strong lovely lady. I too was diagnosed with this b*****d disease earlier this year. Thank God I had a fantastic consultant and after an operation in March I’m doing good. It almost broke me mentally but I got through it you will too stay strong, Stay positive. Sending love xx”
KatieFarrar said: “Oh Abby I am so so sorry to hear this. I am sending so much love and strength to you. Keep strong Abby.”
Abby has since found love with her new partner Dave and went public with their romance three years ago. She explained her heartfelt decision to reveal her new romance to the public at the time. “I put it on Instagram without really thinking. When I woke up the next day, loads of people had started to follow me. Then a publicist I use for my work called to say, ‘You’ve got a new boyfriend’.
“I thought, ‘Everyone still labels me Ben’s ex’ but I’m not that Abby any more. I’m me. I’ve got my two girls. My life. I’ve finally met a really nice man. I want to be known as ‘Abby the good photographer’ or ‘Abby the great mum’. I’m very different. I’m stronger.”
