Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

As I read through this heartwrenching story about Jack and his family, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for their pain. Losing loved ones to cancer is a tragedy that no one should have to endure, especially at such a young age.


On Wednesday, Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden shared their personal cancer journeys as part of a charitable initiative.

54-year-old broadcaster for the BBC and ITV received a breast cancer diagnosis in September 2021, followed by a mastectomy procedure to remove a 6cm tumor from her body.

The Countryfile host shared stories from her past with Macmillan Cancer Support during a photo shoot to kick off their yearly coffee event.

She was joined by influencer Jake, 35 who lost both his father and brother to cancer and has been campaigning to encourage people to get check ups. 

Star personalities, such as celebrity photographer Rankin, ITV Loose Women host Charlene White (who tragically lost her mother to bowel cancer), and singer-actress Brenda Edwards (who bravely battles breast cancer), collaborated for a unique photo and interview session.

Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign
Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

In the interview, Julia revealed that her world stopped when she heard her cancer diagnosis before revealing that she almost didn’t go to her follow-up appointments. 

She mentioned that she discovered a lump on her breast, initially thought to be a group of non-cancerous micro-cysts. However, she needed to undergo another mammogram for further examination.

After the scan (which consisted of both an ultrasound and a physical evaluation) showed no concerning results, I nearly skipped my follow-up consultation.

A year later, it was life-saving when my doctor found a small shadow on my breast, which was actually cancerous.

Upon learning the phrase ‘you have cancer’, time seems to stand still for you. These aren’t words anyone desires to hear; they signify an exclusive, unwelcome group that far too many people find themselves in.

‘Any cancer diagnosis is a journey, and that journey is different for everyone. It’s a startling statistic that 1 in 7 women in their lifetime will get breast cancer.’

The speaker has been incredibly open about her battles with cancer, even sharing on Good Morning Britain that her diagnosis significantly altered her life.

In January 2023, the celebrity posted on Instagram a short video showcasing her experiences since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021.

Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign
Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

Julia, who is married to real estate developer Gerard Cunningham, had a mastectomy following the announcement of her health condition in public.

Looking back at her journey with breast cancer, Julia revealed a collection of photos spanning the year, discussing the transformation she’s undergone in her life.

She mentioned that she stopped drinking alcohol, switched to a new eating plan, and now values getting enough sleep – all part of the adjustments she’s made in her life to lower the chances of her cancer coming back.

The reel also included some emotional moments from throughout her cancer battle, including her attending her breast screening and in a hospital bed for treatment.

12 years back, popular TV figure Jack experienced profound sorrow when his younger brother, Oliver, succumbed to cancer. This tragedy followed the death of their father due to bone cancer only two years prior.

He told Rankin: ‘When Oliver got diagnosed, I felt like I needed to protect my younger brother, and then I couldn’t. I couldn’t help him. That’s something that stayed with me for a long time – the fact that I failed as an older brother, even though I know I didn’t, that’s how I feel.’

It was discovered that Jack’s young sibling sustained an injury on his knee while playing football, and the scans confirmed the presence of osteosarcoma, a particular form of bone cancer in him.

He tragically passed away aged just 19. 

“As a lifestyle expert, let me emphasize the significance of regular self-examinations for soft tissue lumps. While Oliver’s condition was internal, hidden in his bones, it underscores the importance of our proactive approach. By taking time to thoroughly examine our bodies, we can potentially save lives. Early detection is a powerful tool in making a real difference.”

As a passionate admirer looking back on my journey as an X Factor alumnus, I can’t help but share a personal truth about my life – I struggle with health anxiety. This anxiety stems from the deeply tragic and traumatic losses of my beloved family members.

Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign
Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign
Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

Last October, he shared that one reason for his health anxiety might be because it took him several years to accept that not all lumps and headaches are indicative of cancer.

To inspire others not to fear cancer screenings, Jack underwent a live testicular cancer check on the show “Loose Women” in 2022.

Television host Charlene White likewise jumped on board the initiative, aiming to inspire others to contribute to Macmillan’s coffee events.

The female host of Loose Women is an ardent advocate, having lost her mother to bowel cancer at the age of 21.

Charleen, aged 44, shared that her mother necessitates constant care, and Macmillan nurses would stay overnight to assist her father in caring for her. (This version maintains the original meaning but uses a more conversational tone and simplifies some wording.)

She encouraged people to get tests and seek treatment as soon as they spot any signs. 

Macmillan’s annual Coffee Morning will take place across the UK on Friday 27 September.

Julia Bradbury and Jake Quickenden share their contrasting experiences with cancer as they pose for celebrity photographer Rankin in new Macmillan charity campaign

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2024-08-28 19:50

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