Jessica Knowles has taken to Instagram to share a message with her fans following her cervical cancer diagnosis. The brave 28-year-old uploaded a photo taken from her hospital bed and thanked everyone for the "overwhelming" support she has received since sharing her news.
"Hi! What a week! Back in hospital for the second, but hopefully, last time in a month and in between a lot of snoozing I've finally got round to reading your well wishes," Jessica, mum to 23-month-old Eddie, began.
Jessica Knowles took to Instagram to thank fans for their support
"To say I'm overwhelmed is an understatement – to every single person that took the time to send me positive vibes, kind words and especially those who shared their own stories – thank you. It means so much that you would take the time to get in touch."
Jessica - who recently received a public message of support from estranged husband Nick Knowles - continued: "Despite my circumstances I have so much to be thankful for – I'm so thankful to my family for dropping everything to support me, am grateful to Nick's work for allowing him to take time off to stay at home with Eddie, I'm so thankful to all the doctors and especially my surgeon that are doing everything they can to cure me, the nurses at the Royal Marsden who are the most caring people I've ever met, and I'm so thankful for the most incredible friends in the world.
Jessica is a proud mum to son Eddie, who will be two next month
"Now I have another thing to be thankful for – all of you! Most of whom I've never met but you've all made me smile. It's been a long week of mixed emotions and I've got a little way to go yet.
"To all the ladies who wrote to me and are about to start their own journey to treatment – good luck. You are in my thoughts during what is an intensely lonely and frightening time.
Jessica recently received a public message of support from estranged husband Nick
"The unknown is so scary but you're going to meet a lot of wonderful people along the way who will do everything in their power to make you feel better. We are made of strong stuff, so focus on something that gives you strength (for me – it's Eddie) and I have found Jostrust.org.uk to have been my best virtual friend. I'll be thinking of you.
"Once again, thank you. You are all so lovely! Take care X."