'I shouldn't BE HERE'

Following a health battle and a new grandchild, Sarah Ferguson makes a heartbreaking confession

- ANNA MATHESON

There's no arguing Sarah Ferguson has faced some immense challenges these last few years. What with the relentless scandal surrounding her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, two cancer diagnoses and now the premature birth of her latest grandchild, Athena. Following Athena's impromptu arrival - youngest daughter of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - the Duchess of York found herself 'overflowing with love'. Yet, if Fergie is anything, she's unflinchingly honest, and openly admits it all has her reassessing both her mental and physical health.

'I shouldn't be here, really,' she confessed recently. 'It was my mastectomy, my breast cancer, that saved me.' The heartbreaking admission came at a charity event in London in March, and as well as discussing her recent cancer treatment, the Duchess explained how her battle affected her outlook as a grandmother. 'Becoming a grandmother again has helped serve as a constant reminder of the importance of striving to make a positive difference,' she says.

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