Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has announced plans to tackle a major fundraising challenge in support of a charity that helped her family through a devastating health crisis. The actress, famed for playing Belle Dingle on the ITV soap, revealed she will run the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Inspired by a Sister's Brave Battle
The decision is deeply personal for the 28-year-old actress. Her younger sister, Francesca, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just 14 years old. This aggressive form of cancer affects white blood cells and, according to the NHS, progresses rapidly. After months of intensive treatment, Francesca received the all-clear from doctors and recently celebrated the significant milestone of being cancer-free for five years.
Eden shared the emotional news and her motivation on Instagram, posting a series of family photographs. "At 14 years old, my little sister Chessie was diagnosed with cancer, which turned our whole world upside down," she wrote. "But Teenage Cancer Trust were there every step of the way."
A Lifeline for Young People
In her heartfelt post, Eden highlighted the unique role of the Teenage Cancer Trust, explaining it is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and support specifically for young people with cancer. She expressed immense gratitude for the support her sister received on one of the charity's wards.
"I didn't know my sister or my family could find light at such a dark time, but Teenage Cancer Trust made that happen, and I am forever grateful," Eden stated. She also emphasised that the charity's wards rely completely on public donations and receive no government funding.
Concluding her appeal, she said: "I am so proud to be an ambassador for this charity, and I cannot wait to do them proud at the London Landmarks Half Marathon!" She has set up a GoFundMe page to collect donations.
Soap Co-Stars Rally with Support
The announcement prompted an immediate wave of support from Eden's colleagues in the Dales. Aaron Dingle actor Danny Miller commented "Beautiful" with heart emojis, while Laura Norton (Kerry Wyatt) and Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan) added messages of praise and encouragement.
Former co-star Daisy Campbell (Amelia Spencer) wrote "So proud of you," and current cast members Shebz Miah (Kammy Hadiq) and Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor) also shared their backing.
Eden has previously spoken about learning of her sister's diagnosis while on the Emmerdale set, crediting the production team for their swift and compassionate support. "They gave me a month off, so while Ches was in intensive chemo, I could be there," she recalled on ITV's Lorraine. "It was so tough to see someone you love so much... go through all of that."
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and STV on weeknights at 8pm.
