Strolling through bluebell-strewn gardens in the spring sunshine, Cheryl Fergison looks the very picture of happiness and health. But for eight years the former EastEnders actress fought a secret battle against both cancer and shocking bouts of self-harm – the story of which she only now feels ready to share.
“It was a horrendous time,” the 58-year-old former soap favourite reveals to OK!.
“There were some dark moments, especially at night, when I thought, ‘Am I going to die? Am I going to leave my husband without a wife, my son without a mum?’
“But the time is right to talk about it all now. I’m hoping my story might empower other women. I’ve been through a lot but I’m still here. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
That motto is something Cheryl, who played big-hearted Heather Trott in EastEnders for half a decade, has had no other choice but to live by after being diagnosed with stage 2 cancer of the womb in 2015.
But as brutal as facing the disease was – she underwent a full hysterectomy in June of that year – nothing prepared her for the subsequent psychological impact. That led her to take extreme measures to rid herself of what she erroneously believed were remaining cancer cells in her body, douching herself daily using scalding water.
“It was like an addiction,” explains Cheryl, who won the Funniest Performance award at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards.
“I would bleed, I couldn’t have a smear because it was so tender, it made relations with my husband difficult. I don’t do it anymore but we have to talk about these things otherwise nothing will change.”
ãã®èšäºã¯ OK! UK ã® May 06, 2024 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã8,500 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã ?  ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
ãã®èšäºã¯ OK! UK ã® May 06, 2024 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã8,500 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã? ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
'I never wanted to get married, but that all changed'
Kelly Brook tells OK! about finding love with husband Jeremy Parisi, why everything she does is with her dog Teddy in mind and not caring about the way she looks any more
THE ROYAL WEEK
King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed a host of stars to a garden party at Buckingham Palace
CHANGING OF THE GUARD - PROUD CHARLES HANDS ON BATON
King Charles and Prince William show their unity as a key role passed from father to son sends a strong message, says royal expert Jennie Bond
What are we actually doing to help people like Paul?'
Actress Tina Malone opens up about losing her husband to suicide as she fights for action and change
CALL OF THE WILD
Broaden your horizons with a blend of safari and serenity in spectacular Kenya
HOW TO COPE WITH HAY FEVER
With sneezing season already in full swing and millions suffering worse than ever, we've got expert advice that's not to be sniffed at
'Touring is like a travelling circus'
Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae shares the joy of taking her family on the road and explains how the heartbreak of losing her first husband has since helped her to make the most of life
People feel as if I'm one of their family members. It's such a great feeling of love'
Children's television icon Baroness Floella Benjamin on being awarded a BAFTA Fellowship, triumphing over racism, and empowering the younger generation to embrace diversity
I'm on cloud nine - laughter is the best medicine'
After opening up about a turbulent time in her marriage, Francine Lewis turned it into a positive declaring how it's made her happier than ever
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
It was a magical night at the Met Gala as the stars lined up in spectacular fashion