Strictly's Amy Dowden has shared an emotional update which moved fans to tears. It comes as she looked back over the past year since being diagnosed with aggressive stage three cancer in May last year.
Sharing a poignant video, Amy took followers through her journey of chemotherapy treatments in hospital. The moving montage also featured supportive friends and family alongside images capturing the moment when Amy began losing her hair.
In the video, the brave Welsh star is seen attending various award shows and participating in Strictly Come Dancing live events. Amy selected Miley Cyrus' ballad The Climb as her soundtrack for the post.
Reflecting on her journey in the caption, she wrote: "These past few weeks and especially days I've constantly been thinking this time last year I was having this test, or this appointment."
It's been exactly one year since Amy received her devastating diagnosis. She recalled the life-altering moment, stating, "A year ago today it was confirmed what we thought it was but it became reality and my life changed forever when the Dr said we are sorry Amy it's cancer. I can't believe it's been a year and all what my body has been through and achieved."
She also remembered breaking the distressing news to her loved ones, sharing: "A year ago Ben, myself and my twin sister cried together and had to pull ourselves together as we had to break the news to my parents and just knowing the heart ache and worry it was going to cause.
"I used to lay awake for hours with my mind going to all sorts of places, would I make it to Christmas, would I dance again, how's Ben going to cope, I don't want to lose my hair , you name it. I wish I knew then how I would be a year on.
"I told myself constantly this too shall pass and a year on, my hair growing back, my energy getting better and better, back dancing and most importantly spending time with my family and friends and appreciating life."
In her closing statement, she said: "To those struggling right now I'm sending you love and strength. To those family and friends who stuck by me I'm forever grateful to you! I know I'm lucky and blessed for another shot at life, here's to a healthier, better, happier and dancing year ahead! .... Now a gentle reminder have you checked your chest this month? Early detection can save lives."
Her 657,000 followers quickly filled the comment section with warm and supportive messages. One fan gushed: "You have come so so far and that beautiful smile and strength shines through x."
Another praised: "Absolutely proudest and in awe of you and your strength, resilience, drive, determination, courage and unending selflessness."
A third could not hold back their emotions saying: "Got really choked up watching this. My son's a twin and he's now at 3.5 and 2 years in remission. What you and all of your family when through I'm sorry you joined our club. Worst club in the world full of the best people x."
Just a few weeks ago, after enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Amy shared the fantastic news that doctors have confirmed there is no evidence of cancer in her body. However, she will still require monthly injections for the next five years.
