health heartbreak
Big Brother legend Imogen Thomas ‘heartbroken and in disbelief’ as she reveals mum’s devastating health diagnosis
The Welsh star was prompted to speak out after Coronation Street 'struck a chord' with her family
BIG Brother star Imogen Thomas has shared her 'heartbreak' and 'disbelief' after her beloved mother was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Imogen, 41, has spoken out about her mum Janet's devastating diagnosis after watching the latest episodes of Coronation Street.
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The Welsh reality star said character Paul's MND storyline has "struck a chord we never expected".
Alongside a video montage of her mum, Imogen said: "There is no easy way to say this 💔
"Six months ago- Our mum was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). For those who are not aware of MND it’s an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves.
"It causes weakness that gets worse over time. It’s rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that affects six people in the UK every single day. The worst part is there’s no cure.
"It’s been a journey we never expected and hoped it would never be."
Imogen went on to explain that she and Janet have decided to speak out publicly for several reasons.
The star, who has two daughters of her own, said they are keen to raise awareness of MND and also hope Janet will be able to connect with others "who understand what she is going through".
"The Wednesday’s Coronation Street storyline featuring Paul and Billy struck a chord we never expected," Imogen continued. "It felt like watching our own emotional rollercoaster, the ups and downs of trying to pin down what’s going on.
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"Can you believe we went through three misdiagnoses? Spent a fortune in Harley Street to be told anything but MND.
"We even sent my mum to rehab in Leeds for a month believing she would make a miraculous recovery as she was told she had FND [Functional Neurologic Disorders] which is a neurological disorder. Looking back now her determination during rehab was incredible."
Imogen continued: "My sister and I are heartbroken and still in disbelief. It’s hard to wrap our heads around. We just don’t want to believe it.
"My mum has some great friends. We would love to connect with others in the same situation to share experiences and support each other."
Imogen finished her emotional Instagram post by saying she and her family are trying their best to stay positive "by ticking off the bucket list".
She added: "Life is short and precious. We are grabbing it with both hands for as long as we can ❤️.
"As I said above my mum and I would love to connect with anyone experiencing the same as us."
Imogen, who found fame in the 2006 series of Big Brother, has shared an inspirational video montage of her mum alongside her lengthy post.
Among the clip are pictures of Janet smiling during happier times but it also includes footage of her during gruelling physio sessions.
Proud daughter Imogen has accompanied the video with Sia's hit song Unstoppable.
She has since been met with a flurry of supportive messages and well-wishes from friends and fans.
One follower replied: "Sending you lots of love and strength as you go through this time."
Another added: "Oh, Imogen, I know what you went through trying to find a solution with her back issues. I am so sorry that they misdiagnosed your mum too many times. My uncle had MND, so I feel your sadness. Stray strong lovely and cherish every moment xx."
And a third wrote: "I lost my dad 10 years ago to MND we knew nothing about it- it took so long to get a diagnosis and was a horrendous ordeal for all of us.
"We raise money whenever we can for the MNDA because this cruel disease needs treatment- and a cure.
"Sending positive thoughts to you all. Video everything. Enjoy every second. I wish I’d done more with my dad. You still have time. Strength to you all xxxxx."
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Former Miss Wales Imogen lives in London with her two daughters, Ariana, 10, and Siera, seven.
The shrewd businesswoman has amassed a property portfolio worth £10million since finding fame in her early 20s on Big Brother.
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