27 August 2023 , 16:17
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Amy Dowden has shared a touching tribute to her parents on their 40th wedding anniversary, hailing the couple as "the best role models" as they celebrate the milestone occasion.
The Strictly Come Dancing star took to Instagram on Sunday to post a glamorous photo of mum Gillian, and dad, Richard, which was captured at her own wedding to husband Ben Jones last summer. The heartwarming update comes just a few months after Amy pulled out of the 21st season of the ITV reality series, after announcing that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in May.
"Happy 40th anniversary to my wonderful parents!" she captioned the shot, before thanking them on behalf of her twin sister and older brother. "The best role models and Lloyd, Rebecca and I are so lucky to have you as our parents!" Amy, 33, also commended Richard and Gillian's commitment to their family, adding that they "devoted their lives to each other and their children." The ballroom dancer signed off the shout-out by wishing for them to enjoy their special day, adding, "Can't wait to celebrate soon!"
Amy shared a heartfelt message to her parents on their 40th anniversary (amy_dowden/Instagram)
Amy began chemotherapy for breast cancer last month (amy_dowden/Instagram)Amy also gave the tribute a nostalgic touch, sharing a black-and-white photo of her parents at their own wedding back in 1983. In the vintage bridal snap, Gillian is wearing a tiara and a veil as she signs her marital contract, while Richard is sporting a head of black hair and a distinctive moustache.
Amy has been sharing her journey with breast cancer on Instagram ever since she started treatment for the disease earlier this month. She completed her second round of the chemotherapy earlier this week, after an admittedly "anxious" first cycle last month.
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"I’m going home to my own bed! Thanks again to the marvellous NHS! Got some blood clots but I’m feeling good other than a sore and swollen arm," she captioned a photo of her from hospital on Thursday. "Another hurdle along this journey. But again forever grateful to the nhs and my heroes around me. Can’t wait to get into my own bed since Monday though." The uplifting post received a flood of responses from Amy's online followers, many of whom took to the comment section to send their support to the choreographer.
"You have completely got this! In six months time this will all feel like a lifetime ago and you will be stronger than ever (from somebody at the end of their cancer treatment journey)," one person wrote. "Will miss you this year on Strictly but can’t wait to see you dance again when you’re ready. Take every day at a time," another kind follower said.