Image source, Getty ImagesActor and comedian Jasper Carrott has spoken about his pride and love for daughter Lucy Davis after she announced she has incurable breast cancer.
The actress, best known for playing receptionist Dawn Tinsley in BBC sitcom The Office, has received an outpouring of support since she revealed her diagnosis on Tuesday.
Carrott, one of the most familiar faces on British television over several decades, told BBC News: “This is a very difficult time for the whole family and we have been supporting her in every way possible since her diagnosis.
“We are so grateful for all the support we have had over this trying time and we are very hopeful for her future being what she wants it to be.”
He added: “We are so proud of our daughter and love her so much. The way she has conducted herself through many traumatic health issues is a lesson to us all.
“We would request privacy for the coming months, but thanks once again for the love and concern shown by so many people.”
Carrott, whose real name is Robert Davis, became a household name in the 1970s thanks to his stand-up comedy and novelty songs.
He has presented programmes such as Canned Carrott, Golden Balls and Carrott’s Commercial Breakdown, and acted in comedy series such as The Detectives.
In a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, Davis explained: “A year-and-a-half ago I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, which has metastasised to my bones.
“Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.
“The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything – get everything checked out.”
She added: “As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can… I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it.”
As well as The Office, Davis has appeared in Shaun of the Dead, Wonder Woman, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.
‘You are full of magic’
After posting her statement, Davis received support from her Office co-stars including creator Ricky Gervais.
Actress Jenna Fischer, who played the same role as Davis in the US version of the sitcom, wrote: “Beautiful post. Love you lots.”
US actress Sarah Paulson, who appeared opposite Davis in Studio 60, said: “Sending you love love love, you are and always have been full of magic.”
Other stars sending support included Ulrika Jonsson, Amanda Abbington, Edgar Wright, Piers Morgan and Sir Chris Hoy, the Olympic cycling champion who was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, who wrote: “Keep going Lucy.”
According to Cancer Research UK, stage four breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast tissue but spreads to another part of the body, making it incurable. Treatment can control the cancer for some years, however.
The main symptoms of breast cancer in women may include a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit, the NHS website says.
Symptoms can also include a change in the skin of your breast such as dimpling or redness, a change in size or shape of one or both breasts, and/or nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it.
Other symptoms may include a change in the shape or look of the nipple, such as it turning inwards or a rash on it.
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