Tennis legend Serena Williams was reduced to tears while posting a heartbreaking video message on social media revealing one of her close friends' cancer battle.
Williams, 40, couldn't contain her emotions as she said her close friend and physio Esther Lee was suffering with pancreatic cancer.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion took to Twitter to explain why she is taking part in the LA Cancer Challenge 5K next Sunday, October 31, to help raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.
And despite struggling to speak at the start of the 92-second clip, the American composed herself before saying: “I don‘t think I can do this, this is going to be too hard.
“Last year my friend Esther was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and she’s been by my side whenever I’ve needed her.
“My dear friend Esther has been a huge part of my own health journey, and now she needs our help as she battles pancreatic cancer.
“Esther has been named the honorary starter for the LA Cancer Challenge 5K walk-run on October 31st in UCLA, benefiting the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
“My family and I have joined Team Esther to help support everyone fighting this disease.
“Please join us as we raise awareness and race towards a cure by finding and advancing critical research.”
A tearful Williams finished the clip by saying she had not been reading off a script and found it difficult to talk about her friend, and urged her followers to take part.
"So join me, and Esther will be there too so it's really exciting."
Dr Lee has also worked as physio for her sister Venus Williams, and has been a regular spectator at their matches over the years.
The post prompted some heartfelt replies, with many pledging to help out either via a donation or participating in LA.
@Dr_CorbinCWong said "I’m happy to lend a hand. Earlier this year, I have an aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer, my uncle (non-smoker) was diagnosed with lung cancer and my father was just diagnosed with colon cancer 2 weeks ago. We gotta do what we can."
@GaronOdom added: "My father just passed away at the end of September from pancreatic cancer. We loved going to your matches together and seeing you play live. We also saw Esther a few times too. Definitely will be participating!"
It's the 24th time the LA Cancer Challenge 5K will be taking place, and is being held on UCLA's campus where much of the foundation's research is conducted.
