Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan celebrated a close friend getting the all-clear from cancer at the weekend.
The married couple joined actress Helen Rigby as she threw a party to mark beating aggressive stage IV lymphoma after numerous rounds of chemotherapy.
Mark shared a video on his Instagram account of an emotional Helen telling her gathered family and friends that she was delighted to be able to celebrate being all-clear from the disease with them.
Struggling to hold back tears, she says: “I dreamed of this moment when I was in hospital and I didn’t know what was going to happen.
“I said to my mum I just want everyone here, everyone I love. I didn’t know if it was going to happen. I dreamed of this moment and here I am.”
Mark can be heard cheering from behind the camera as he captures the moving moment.
Sharing the video, he writes about his friend’s brave cancer battle and how it’s taught him to appreciate life.
Read more: Michelle Keegan admits fears over making the right decisions
The former TOWIE star turned showbiz reporter writes: “Our dear friend @helensrigby a few months ago was diagnosed with an aggressive stage IV Lymphoma. Started chemotherapy 3 hours later and had 6 rounds. Yesterday we celebrated the news that she has the all clear. This beautiful soul beat cancer.
“Yesterday with all of her family and friends around her she smiled from ear to ear and partied all day long.
“The biggest thing I take from this, is what she keeps telling me. ‘Mark [bleep] it, do what makes you happy every day in life. Life is so short and you never know when it’s going to end. I thought I was done, it was the end for me and here I am today. Life now is about living every day like it’s my last’ and my god, this is exactly the attitude she had from start to finish yesterday.”
Urging his followers to heed Helen’s words, he continues: “Guys laugh, smile, love more and more every day. In all honesty this should be everybody’s number 1 passion and goal above all others. How can I make others around me and myself smile and feel loved more each day.
“When you actually stop and think for a moment, it’s health and happiness that is more important than anything. Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
He added the hashtag “notetoself” to remind himself to also stay true to these words.
Signing off, he added a personal message to Helen, writing: “Helen we love ya girl. Nurse that hangover and have the most amazing day. Xxxx”
His wife Michelle also took to Instagram to celebrate Helen’s recovery.
Sharing an image of her with her and their friends at the party, the Our Girl actress writes: “I never knew what true bravery was until I saw it in you @helensrigby So proud of you. Here’s to the future.”
On her Stories, she revealed how the guests drank cocktails called “I’m A Survivor”, “Kick Ass” and “Fearless Girl” saying their friend Helen is all these things.
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