Professional dancer Amy Dowden has posted an emotional message on Instagram following a heartbreaking loss.
The 34-year-old choreographer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, shared sad news about Hannah, a fellow patient who became close to her during their hospital appointments.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, who was declared cancer-free last year following a diagnosis, declared: "Life is cruel and I truly hate cancer!"
"A beautiful soul, Hannah, I met during treatment. Our appointments always aligned and we'd have a good natter and put the world to rights," Ms Dowden wrote on her Instagram story.
Amy Dowden kept fans updated throughout her cancer own journey
|INSTAGRAM / AMY DOWDEN
The Welsh performer revealed she received a message from Hannah's friend informing her that she had died last Tuesday.
Ms Dowden explained that both women had been battling breast cancer, with her treatment running approximately six months ahead of Hannah's schedule.
The two women formed a bond through their shared experiences, discussing their hopes for life after cancer.
During one encounter, when Ms Dowden returned to hospital for an injection whilst on a trek, Hannah expressed her desire to join a similar fundraising walk the following year as a way of giving back.
Amy Dowden has been candid about her experience with cancer and journey to recovery
| BBCThe dancer had previously mentioned Hannah during an appearance on ITV's Loose Women, prompting Hannah to send an immediate message of gratitude.
Ms Dowden described her friend as "the most genuine, dedicated mother and soul" who frequently sought advice about the treatment journey ahead.
The news has profoundly impacted the BBC Strictly star, who expressed being "knocked" by the loss, particularly as Hannah's death leaves her twin daughters without parents, having already lost their father to cancer.
"You will live on through them Hannah," the dancer wrote, describing herself as "gutted and angry" at the tragic circumstances.
Ms Dowden revealed her intention to take meaningful action for the orphaned children, noting that a GoFundMe page has been established in Hannah's memory.
"The news has hit me quite hard. I'm gutted and angry. RIP beautiful Hannah. What a woman!" she stated in her Instagram post.
Ms Dowden continues to receive preventative treatment at the Sheldon Oncology Unit, sharing a photograph from her first hospital visit of 2025.
"Don't enjoy these... but if they keep that cancer away it's worth it! Plus always lovely to catch up with the unit," she captioned the image.
Amy Dowden shared the heartbreaking announcement this week
|GETTY
The dancer underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy following her 2023 diagnosis, announcing in February 2024 that tests revealed "no evidence of disease."
This enabled her return to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024, a goal she had maintained throughout her treatment.
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Amy Dowden returned to BBC Strictly last year
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Reflecting on her journey, Ms Dowden acknowledged the physical and mental challenges of recovery, noting insufficient support exists for patients navigating life after diagnosis.