Julia Bradbury’s sister has spoken out about the star’s battle with breast cancer, admitting their emotions go from ‘hysteria’ to being in ‘floods of tears’.
The Countryfile presenter was diagnosed with breast cancer in-situ in September and underwent a mastectomy last week.
She’s now awaiting the results of the operation and her sister, Gina, has shared an insight into the TV star’s heartbreaking ordeal.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Gina said: ‘Emotionally, I have been with Julia every step of the way. I feel her pain.
‘We’re joined at the hip really. It’s a complete rollercoaster. We fluctuate from hysteria, to being in floods of tears.’
Julia, 51, described Gina as her ‘rock’ and also told the publication: ‘We’ve shared tears but also lots of laughs. Gina has been an absolute rock, doing what she always does brilliantly, swinging into action, being a practical and emotional mainstay.’
Recalling one poignant moment, Gina explained: ‘Julia’s not really a runner but last week she came in, hugged me and burst out crying. She said “I’ve just been for a run”. I said, “But you don’t like running?” She said “No, I know, but I wanted to feel both my boobs bouncing for the last time”.
‘That, to me, was so powerful. We were both crying then, in her kitchen.’
Julia announced that she had her mastectomy last Monday and shared a post-op photo of herself in hospital, with surgery marks on her chest.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she told her followers: ‘I’m out of surgery. These will be my new companions for the coming weeks & months. I need a drain to channel surplus blood from the surgery & I have to wear a special post- breast surgery/mastectomy designed bra for the next 6 weeks to protect my upper body post-op.
‘I feel relief that the operation is over. The anxiety leading up to it was overwhelming. I feel sad that such a brutal treatment is necessary in so many breast cancer cases, but I choose life.
‘I will do anything I can to live to see my children grow up & if this was happening to any other member of my family, or them, I would swap places in a heartbeat.’
She continued: ‘I will follow Walt Whitman’s advice: “Keep your face always toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you”.
‘To all you warrior women (& men) out there, I send my love. I’ll hold a little of my strength to get through the next few weeks & months. Namaste. The sacred in me recognises the sacred in you.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield share sweet message to Julia Bradbury after her mastectomy
MORE : Countryfile’s Julia Bradbury ‘relieved’ as she shares post-surgery photo after mastectomy