Christine McGuinness, 32, has shared some devastating news with her 476,000 Instagram followers this evening, as she revealed her mum’s breast cancer diagnosis is “really hitting home”.
The mum-of-three, who is married to Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness, 47, shared a photo of her mum smiling in front of a spray-painted mural, which featured two big Liver Bird wings in green.
The star opened up about her mum’s “magical bond” with her grandchildren, Felicity, Penelope and Leo, who Christine shares with husband Paddy, in the emotional post.
Christine wrote: “This is possibly the most upsetting post I will ever write and typing away now it’s really hitting home.
“My mum, my best friend, my rock was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.”
The model added: “It’s hit me hard, we are very close. She is a huge part of our family.
“We spend almost every weekend together with my children, their bond is magical.
“But, my mum is also the strongest woman I know and is determined to fight it, she’s a proper ‘scouse Ma’.”
Christine concluded her post by saying: “I have always supported breast cancer charities as four of my aunties have also had breast cancer and my mum has asked me to continue helping raise money and awareness (the reason I’m sharing this) she has the biggest heart and always just wants to help others.
Christine’s fans and celebrity friends took to the comments section of her post to share their sympathies following her sad news.
Former Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson wrote: “Sending love and much strength to you all.”
Christine’s Real Housewives co-star Tanya Bardesley added: “O my god I feel sick I’m so so sorry.”(sic)
A fan replied: “So sorry to hear this @mrscmcguinness. She is your Shero!! Sending you both a big hug.”(sic)
A second person commented: “Sending prayers and healing for your mum lots of love to you sweetie.”
A third fan responded: “Thought you were a bit quiet…bless you my lovely and as a scouse your mum will fight back harder and stronger and you will be right by her side.”
It comes after Christine revealed on her Instagram stories that she had been taking a break from social media to deal with “personal stuff”.
She also took the opportunity to thank those who have checked up on her.