Angie Best, the 73-year-old former wife of football legend George Best, has shared a poignant update from her hospital bed as she undergoes an unconventional 'mistletoe' chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The TV personality posted a photo on Instagram showing her connected to an IV drip at a Swiss medical facility, captioning it: 'Trying to fake a smile, didn't realise how sick I was, couldn't wait so in Switzerland for chemo with Mistletoe, a sincere heartfelt thank you to you my Homies for your kindness.'
The post comes just over a week after her son Calum, 44, revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer that has spread to her liver. Mistletoe therapy, which uses extracts from the European mistletoe plant, is an alternative treatment popular in parts of Europe but not approved by the NHS due to inconclusive evidence of its effectiveness. Angie is using it alongside conventional chemotherapy.
Her post received an outpouring of support, including from Calum, who commented: 'You are some woman and I love you so much, we got this.' TV presenter Jenny Powell sent 'positive and healing vibes', while model Paul Sculfor wished her 'strength and wellness.' Angie also shared a meme questioning conventional cancer research, suggesting a 75% increase in cancer deaths since the 1990s despite billions spent annually.
Earlier this month, Calum announced his mother's diagnosis in an emotional video, revealing that the cancer had metastasised and that he had set up a GoFundMe page to cover her specialist treatment costs. 'This is incredibly hard for me to say, but financially, I can't shoulder this on my own,' he said. Angie added in her own message that she is 'ready to fight' the disease, noting that 'consultations and research all takes dosh which I don't have'.
Angie met George Best in 1975, and they married in 1976, welcoming son Calum in 1981. They separated the following year and divorced in 1986, amid George's struggles with alcohol abuse. He died in 2005 at age 59 from multiple organ failure.
