Neighbours actress Kate Keltie has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, it has been confirmed.
The star who played Michelle Scully on the soap between 1999 and 2003 was recently dealt the devastating news before she had been informed it had spread to several parts of her body.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up with a goal of $25,000AUD (£13.8k) to cover essential costs throughout her chemotherapy treatment.
On the platform, organiser Ebony Gilbert shared: "Our beautiful Kate is going through the unimaginable.
"She was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Her cancer is extremely aggressive and it has spread to other parts of her body, including her lymph nodes, blood and hip bones (known as metastatic cancer)."
Sadly, Ebony confirmed that Katie had been informed by her Oncologist that working during her treatment was not an option."
"She will lose her gorgeous hair and cannot carry children in the future. This is devastating news for anyone, let alone at the age of 36, with no family history of breast cancer," she added.
To help battle the disease, Kate will undergo chemotherapy infusions every three weeks for the rest of her life, while potentially having surgery and radiotherapy too.
While Kate is unable to work, those closest to her are hoping to raise vital funds which will cover her rent, bills, specialist medical appointments, cleaning products as well as wig and skin products.
The actress has since given an update on her condition on the page, writing: "Hi everyone. I am so sorry I haven't had a chance to thank you all personally yet- stay with me, I'll get there!
"I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support, and messages and phone calls.
"It's so amazing to know I have so many incredible people in my corner."
She added: "I've just got over COVID and I start my first round of chemotherapy tomorrow, and you really have no idea how my head space has changed going into it because of each and every one of you.
"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Kate x."
Her page which has since raised $31.3k has been flooded with messages from friends and fans offering their support, with one writing: "Don't know of Kate Keltie professionally or personally, though I do know Cancer and the cost financially and emotionally. All the best Kate!"
"Kate, as a UK fan of Neighbours since its beginning, you and the rest of the Scully’s remain close to my heart. I’m glad that it sounds like you have a great support network, but know also that your Neighbours family is rooting for you all the way," typed another.
Before a third fan said: "As a Neighbours fan I want to thank you for your wonderful legacy on the show as the youngest member of the Scully family. Wishing you every best wish and prayer as you go through this Kate. Hugs from Ireland."
