BBC Gardeners' World star announces shock health diagnosis after major surgery
Gardeners' World icon Carol Klein has bravely opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis and the major surgery she's undergone in order to beat the cruel disease. The beloved gardening guru took to Instagram with a heartfelt video, updating her followers on her health journey so far, including a huge treatment milestone.
During the short video, Carol expressed her gratitude towards the medical team that supported her, saying: "Hello everyone, isn't it marvelous to see the sun out at last! I just wanted to get in touch with you and keep you up to date with what has been happening to me recently."
The BBC presenter then continued: "A few weeks ago I was referred to the breast care clinic at my local hospital and after tests I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having consulted with my family and all the doctors, it was decided that I'd have a double mastectomy and that was carried out on April 3."
Now, one month on since the procedure, Carol gave an update on her recovery progress, including her upcoming book project which had been providing a welcome distraction about her health woes. The star added: "Since then I've been recovering at home and recuperating. I've sown any amount of seeds, and I've been finessing my upcoming book, so it's given me lots of opportunity to do that."
In a particularly poignant moment, Carol then rounded off the video with a huge thank you to her medical team, before hinting at what lies ahead, including a return to work. She said: "Well I just want to thank Dr. Anna Conway and all the staff of the breast care clinic at North Devon District Hospital for their care and kindness and also their incredible efficiency. They've been brilliant, a real tribute to the NHS.", reports Birmingham Live.
In her closing comment the star added: "Well I'm looking forward to seeing you very soon on Gardeners' World and at the Chelsea Flower Show, not to mention the Gardeners' World Live Show in June in Birmingham. Until then, happy gardening and lots of love."
Carol Klein is a familiar face for gardening enthusiasts, and first graced our screens on Gardeners' World back in 1989. Since then, she's been nurturing our green-fingered passions with shows like Real Gardens and Open Gardens.
Her series Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein gave us an intimate look at a year in her own garden at Glebe Cottage in North Devon. A stalwart of Gardeners' World, Carol has been sharing her horticultural wisdom as a permanent presenter since 2005.
