In a deeply emotional social media post, television personality Calum Best has revealed his mother, Angie Best, has been diagnosed with cancer. The 44-year-old son of football legend George Best shared the devastating health update in a video on Thursday, explaining that his 73-year-old mother was diagnosed with colon cancer just weeks ago, and the disease has now spread to her liver.
An Emotional Plea for Support
In the heartfelt video, a visibly shaken Calum described the diagnosis as an "emotional rollercoaster" he never expected to face. He explained that after much consideration, the family decided to share their struggle and ask for public help. "I wanted to get the words right," Calum said, "but when it comes to health, and when it comes to my mum, the only thing that really matters is honesty."
He went on to paint a poignant picture of his mother's lifelong dedication to health, stating she has "lived her life rooted in health, fitness and wellbeing." Calum emphasised the indiscriminate nature of the disease, adding, "It doesn't care where you're from, how you live, or how healthy you try to be. And now, it's here – and it's with my mum."
A Call for Financial Help for Specialist Care
The family's immediate focus is on accessing the best possible medical treatment. Calum was frank about the financial burden, admitting, "This is incredibly hard for me to say, but financially, I can't carry this on my own." To that end, he has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for specialist care, consultations, and treatment. He assured supporters that any contribution, no matter the size, would help and promised to share updates on his mother's journey.
Angie Best herself shared a determined message, declaring she is "ready to fight" the disease. She highlighted the financial strain of consultations and research, noting the sobering statistic that "research suggests 1 in 2 of us will get some form of cancer."
A Family Legacy in the Public Eye
Angie Best met George Best in Los Angeles in 1975, a meeting she described as "love at first sight." They married in January 1976 and welcomed their son Calum in 1981. The couple separated a year later, finalising their divorce in 1986 amidst George's well-documented struggles with alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Despite the separation, Angie has remained a prominent figure, known for her work in fitness and wellbeing.
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and followers on social media, with many leaving messages of love and encouragement for both Calum and his mother. The family's public appeal underscores the harsh financial realities many face when confronting a serious illness, even with a legacy linked to sporting royalty.