As Loose Women favourite Nadia Sawalha approaches her 60th birthday this year, she’s not taking any moments for granted.
The telly favourite has spent years fighting for her friend Hannah Gardner, who has secondary incurable breast cancer, facing off against MPs in Westminster and spending hours by her side while she gets treatment in hospital.
As she tells new, it’s given her a whole new perspective on life. And while Nadia admits that it takes an emotional toll, the mum-of-two says she doesn’t want to live with regret that she could have done more.
“Every week I go to the hospital and I leave exhausted from the heat, the noise, from people coming in and out, and I’m not even having anything done. Hannah has got a three-year-old autistic child and she’s having all this treatment. She’s exhausted, she’s scared and she always shows up. So, she gives us all energy.”
Nadia and Hannah, 37, are fighting alongside two other friends (they call themselves The Fab Four) for the breast cancer drug Trastuzumab deruxtecan (sold as Enhertu) to be made available by NHS England.
While it’s currently available to women in Scotland, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence declined to recommend it for use in England, and Nadia has been campaigning on behalf of the thousands of women she believes are missing out on the potentially life-extending treatment.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over
'The win changed our lives for the better'
While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral
Struggling in silence
With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son