Former Neigbours star Kate Keltie has been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
The former soap actor who played Michelle Scully, the on-screen sister to Holly Valance, has been diagnosed with an ‘extremely aggressive’ form of breast cancer.
The 36-year-old’s best friend Ebony Gilbert has launched a GoFundMe page to raise AUD $25,000 (£13,899 or USD $16,628) as Keltie begins chemotherapy.
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Gilbert wrote: “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).
“This week the fight of her life begins as she starts chemotherapy.”
Gilbert also revealed that Keltie’s doctor had warned her that she could not battle cancer and work simultaneously.
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She also requires chemo infusions every three weeks for the ‘rest of her life’.
She continued: “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.”
While Keltie would never seek financial assistance, Gilbert said she would need help with ongoing costs while receiving treatment.
She also notified that proceeds would go towards her rent, groceries, and bills, as well as appointments with medical specialists, cleaning products for chemotherapy patients and wig and specialist skin products.
So far, the GoFundMe has surpassed AUD $32,000 (£17,796 or USD $21,285).
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The Daily Mail reported that in the wake of donations pouring in, Keltie said she was overwhelmed by the support from the community.
She said: “It's amazing to know I have so many incredible people in my corner. I've just got over Covid and I start my first round of chemotherapy tomorrow.
“You 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.”
Keltie appeared on Neighbours from 1999 to 2004.
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She has also appeared in Blue Heelers, Full Frontal and Halifax f.p.
In 2008, she quit acting to pursue a career as a legal consultant and has since moved into the recruitment-support industry.
Charisa Bossinakis