Scottish comedian Janey Godley, 63, said telling her daughter Ashley that she has cancer was ‘like throwing a hand grenade’ as she ‘has always been a catastrophiser’
Scottish comedian Janey Godley has revealed the “worst part” about her terminal cancer diagnosis was having to tell her daughter because she is a “catastrophiser”.
The 63-year-old was diagnosed with ovarian cancer back in 2021, but by the following year, she was given the all-clear and announced the news to her followers on X. However, last month she cancelled her tour as doctors informed her that there were signs that the cancer had returned.
She is now receiving palliative care at an end-of-life care hospice. Janey said in an interview that breaking the news to her autistic daughter Ashley, 38, was the “worst part of it” as it was “like throwing a hand grenade”.
Earlier this week, Janey told The Times: “I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021. The worst part of it was having to tell Ashley. She has always been a catastrophiser; telling her was like throwing a hand grenade. The treatment has been dreadful.
“I had been on chemo, which kept pushing it back, but have run out of options and the cancer has spread. So it looks like this will be getting to near the end of it. I’m now in palliative care and at end-of-life care in the hospital. It is devastating news to know that I’m facing end-of-life, but we all come to an end sometime.”
She added: “I tell Ashley that she is likely to feel a sense of relief once it’s finally done and I’m dead: no more chemo, no more hair loss, no more vomiting, no more worry. And she was just, like, ‘Ah, f***, I’ve been waiting for that to happen for ages already.'”
Janey also said she is “dead proud” of her daughter, adding: “She’s my big success in life and I’m dead proud of her. The worst thing about me dying is not being able to see her. I can’t imagine being a spirit and not having her in my orbit.” Janey shares Ashley with her husband Sean Storrie, who she recently celebrated her 44th wedding anniversary with.
Yesterday, Janey said Liam Neeson has finally received the scarf she had been knitting for him for a year. Sharing photos of the Schindler’s List actor on X, formerly called Twitter, Janey wrote: “The Liam Neeson scarf has arrived and you can hear all about it here on BBC Radio 4. “
She added: “I’ve been knitting him a scarf for a year!” In the photos, 72-year-old Liam, wearing a denim shirt, poses with the colourful scarf, while another image shows Janey at work as she was knitting it.
Many people commented on the social media post as one wrote: “Fantastic scarf!! Well done.” Another person added: “Ah that was a lovely listen for a Saturday morning. Thanks for that. Can’t believe Liam Neeson sent you a photo back of him wearing your jazz knitting. How great is that! Love and hugs to you, Janey. xxx”
One more commented: “That’s amazing. He seems to love it. You are in my thoughts. You are an incredible inspiration.” Another agreed, saying: “Fabulous! Beautiful artwork.” And someone else added: “Aw that’s amazing Janey, looks like Liam loves it.” While another person said: “Oh my gosh, this warms my heart so much.”
For more information or support about ovarian cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.
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