Former EastEnders actress Samantha Womack has made a heartfelt public appeal, urging her followers to support a fundraising campaign for her aunt, who has been diagnosed with cancer. The campaign was launched by Womack's cousin, television personality Calum Best.
A Family Appeal for Specialist Cancer Care
On Thursday, Calum Best shared the difficult news that his mother, former model Angie Best, has been diagnosed with colon cancer, which has since spread to her liver. In an emotional social media post, he explained the family's need for financial help to access specialist care and the right professional treatment.
He subsequently set up a GoFundMe page with a target of £35,000. Shortly after, Samantha Womack, 53, revealed her family connection to the pair, sharing the fundraiser with her own followers. "This my Auntie Angie, and my cousin Calum," she wrote. "We are both helping as much as we can but we need support."
Personal Battles and a Shared Mission
The actress, who is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in the BBC soap and has previously battled breast cancer herself, disclosed a poignant detail. She revealed that she and her aunt had been planning to start a recovery retreat together just before Angie's own diagnosis.
Womack's personal experience with the illness has clearly galvanised her support. "Having just recovered from cancer myself, Angie and I wanted to start a recovery retreat together," she wrote on Instagram. "Any help much appreciated." In response to her post, Calum Best expressed his gratitude, writing: "Thank you Sam ur such a good woman , love u."
The family connection is through Womack's father, musician Noel Janus, who is the brother of Angie Best.
Community Support and Fundraising Progress
The campaign has already seen a significant outpouring of support. At the time of writing, over £15,700 has been raised towards the £35,000 goal. A number of well-known figures have contributed, including radio presenter Roman Kemp, reality star Ferne McCann, and former rugby league player Martin Offiah.
In his initial announcement, Calum Best spoke candidly about the shock of the diagnosis, noting his mother's lifelong commitment to health and fitness. "I'll be honest, I haven't cried in years but this has been an emotional rollercoaster I never expected to be on," he shared. He emphasised that any contribution, no matter the size, would help them access the vital care his mother needs.
Angie Best met football legend George Best at a dinner party in Los Angeles in 1975. They married in January 1978 and welcomed their son Calum in 1981, before separating the following year and divorcing in 1986. George Best died in November 2005 at the age of 59.
