Amy Dowden’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars have thrown their support behind the dancer after she shared an emotional update about her health.
The BBC star shared an emotional Instagram video over the weekend that left her fans in tears, marking one year since her stage three breast cancer diagnosis.
Reflecting on the past 12 months since her diagnosis, the 33-year-old shared a collage of videos and photos capturing her journey and treatment.
Her heartfelt post depicted moments from her chemotherapy sessions, the emotional experience of losing her hair, and the eventual decision to shave it off.
Set to Miley Cyrus' ballad The Climb, the video highlighted her progress following the devastating diagnosis and how she overcame.
She wrote alongside the video: “These past few weeks and especially days I’ve constantly been thinking this time last year I was having this test, or this appointment.
“A year ago today it was confirmed what we thought it was but it became reality and my life changed forever when the Dr said we are sorry Amy it’s cancer. I can’t believe it’s been a year and all what my body has been through and achieved.
“A year ago Ben, myself and my twin sister cried together and had to pull ourselves together as we had to break the news to my parents and just knowing the heart ache and worry it was going to cause.
“I used to lay awake for hours with my mind going to all sorts of places, would I make it to Christmas, would I dance again, how’s Ben going to cope, I don’t want to lose my hair, you name it. I wish I knew then how I would be a year on.
“I told myself constantly this too shall pass and a year on, my hair growing back, my energy getting better and better, back dancing and most importantly spending time with my family and friends and appreciating life.
Dowden continued: “I have a new body i’m still learning to accept and like, but do you know what it got me through the hardest time and I’m so proud of myself.
“Too many people are affected by cancer and I’ll do all I can now to raise awareness and give back. To those struggling right now I’m sending you love and strength. To those family and friends who stuck by me I’m forever grateful to you!
“I know I’m lucky and blessed for another shot at life, here’s to a healthier, better, happier and dancing year ahead!”
Concluding her post, she added: “Now a gentle reminder have you checked your chest this month? Early detection can save lives #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #breastcanceryoung #checkyourself #oneyearon #mycancerjourney”.
After sharing the heartfelt post, Dowden received an outpouring of support from her fellow Strictly stars in the comment section.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood penned: “sending all the love my darling.”
“Beautiful Amyyy,” fellow Strictly pro Vito Coppola commented. “We are waiting for you Cannot wait to have you back with us and then our family will be complete again. Sending you all my love”
Dancer and pal Dianne Buswell shared: “Love you” while another co-star Nancy Xiu posted several pink love hearts in support.
In February, Dowden announced that doctors found no evidence of cancer in her body. However, she revealed she will need monthly injections for the next five years.
