A mother-of-two battling a terminal brain tumour has forged a special friendship with an EastEnders' star who was playing the role of a dying patient.
Kylie Weatherby, from Thetford, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma whilst pregnant with twins in May 2021 – the same highly aggressive tumour as in the storyline of EastEnders character Lola Pearce.
Two weeks after delivering her twins Luca and Malena by caesarean section, Ms Weatherby started six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The 34-year-old, who is now undergoing further chemo for a second rare stage two brain tumour discovered six months ago, is a lifelong EastEnders fan and was impressed by Danielle Harold’s portrayal of Lola.
Ms Weatherby was introduced to Danielle on the set of EastEnders in March and the pair have since kept in touch.
Ms Weatherby said their friendship “means the world”.
“I hit it off with her straight away. It was without a doubt one of the happiest days of my life, and such an amazing treat after all the health issues I’d been having," she said.
READ MORE: Joe Swash slams Norwich EastEnders exit on I’m A Celeb South Africa
Harold said: “It was great meeting Kylie and honestly felt like we’d known each other years. She has the most beautiful family and I am so pleased we have found this bond in such difficult times.
"I showed her around the set, introduced her to my fellow cast members, chatted to her about her journey post-diagnosis and asked if there was anything I should do with Lola because it’s so important that I reflect what’s happening to real people in the brain tumour community.”
Brain Tumour Research is one of two charities working with EastEnders scriptwriters to ensure its brain tumour storyline is as realistic as possible.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here