Neighbours star Kate Keltie has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer which has been described as "extremely aggressive".
Kate starred in the popular Australian soap between 1999 and 2003, playing the role of Michelle Scully. Aged just 36, the actress has been given the devastating late stage diagnosis confirming that cancer has spread to several parts of her body.
A friend has set up a GoFundMe page for Kate with a goal of $25,000AUD - around £13.8k - to cover essential costs throughout her chemotherapy treatment.
As reported by the Mirror, organiser Ebony Gilbert wrote: "Our beautiful Kate is going through the unimaginable.
"She was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Her cancer is extremely aggressive and it has spread to other parts of her body, including her lymph nodes, blood and hip bones (known as metastatic cancer)."
Ebony confirmed that Katie would not be able to work during her treatment, which will see her undergo chemotherapy infusions every three weeks for the rest of her life.
"She will lose her gorgeous hair and cannot carry children in the future. This is devastating news for anyone, let alone at the age of 36, with no family history of breast cancer," she added.
The actress has since given an update on her condition on the page, writing: "Hi everyone. I am so sorry I haven't had a chance to thank you all personally yet- stay with me, I'll get there!
"I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support, and messages and phone calls.
She continued: "It's so amazing to know I have so many incredible people in my corner."
"I've just got over COVID and I start my first round of chemotherapy tomorrow, and you really have no idea how my head space has changed going into it because of each and every one of you.
"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Kate x."
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