‘I was a mess’: Emmerdale star recalls sister’s cancer diagnosis at age 14
Eden Taylor-Draper, beloved by the nation as Emmerdale’s Belle Dingle has opened up about the experience of watching her younger sister, Francesca, who she lovingly refers to as Chessie, undergo cancer treatment, in an incredibly moving film made by the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The sisters have taken part in the charity’s Cancer Conversations campaign, which aims to bring to light the difficulties faced by young people who are suffering from the disease.
‘The doctor said we found traces of cancer in your blood. And I felt like I’d been winded, like couldn’t breathe. No one is prepared to have that conversation at any age, let alone when you’re 14,’ said Chessie, reflecting on the moment she learned that she had cancer.
‘That is one of the biggest memories and conversations that just stand out to me because obviously it marks the beginning of the next two years of my life.’
As Chessie began to undergo months of brutal treatment, she remembers a year into her journey thinking ‘this isn’t a life’. Unable to tell her parents how much her mental health was suffering, she turned to her sister for support.
Eden said: ‘I think your mental health affected me more than your physical health at certain points, your brain was just so dark. You’d say stuff to me and I’d be like I can’t say this to mum and dad.’
‘When I was with you, I think I was very good at being strong, and I had to be able to joke my way through things. The minute I wasn’t with you, I was a mess.’
Teenage Cancer Trust
With 35 years of expertise, Teenage Cancer Trust provides a range of information resources to support clear, sensitive and age-appropriate communication between young people with cancer and the people around them.
Created together with young people, the charity’s new online information hub includes a glossary of medical terms, advice for family and friends, and guidance covering everything from ‘How to speak to your GP’ to navigating life after treatment.
Dr Louise Soanes, Chief Nurse at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: ‘The way in which we talk about and explain cancer is so important, but it’s a difficult subject and can be incredibly challenging.
‘However, one conversation can change everything for a young person. The right words at the right time can make all the difference – and we must all do our best to get it right.
‘Our expert nurses and youth workers across the UK support young people with cancer through all kinds of conversations. And whether you’re a health professional, a friend, or loved one of a young person who struggles to find the right words, or you don’t know what to say, you can find help and guidance about cancer conversations on the Teenage Cancer Trust website.’
While Eden proved to be a tower of strength for Chessie, she also introduced her to the specialist unit at Leeds Hospital and Teenage Cancer Trust staff, giving her another safe space to talk about her feelings.
‘I’m really glad you offloaded to me but also I’m so glad I dragged you into the social day room,’ Eden said. ‘You would open up and you just got a bit brighter.’
Chessie added: ‘The support workers introduced me to new people and they made me feel confident to start these conversations as well. I really appreciated the way that they spoke to me and explained things.
‘How different chemotherapies were working, why they were using certain types of treatment, the different phases, what was going to happen. If I had a question or I didn’t understand anything they’d genuinely answer it.
‘It was just such a different atmosphere. They were so lovely.’
Giving advice to people who’re currently supporting a friend or family member through cancer, Eden said: ‘Be as normal as you can be.
‘Don’t let it get in the way of being a sister, a brother, an auntie, a cousin.
‘Also bring so much light and just chat about your day apart from that, like something you’ve been up to or something you’ve read.’
Chessie added: ‘Siblings shouldn’t feel guilty if they can’t cope with it.’