Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper notably supported her younger sister Francesca through a cancer diagnosis
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has been flooded with support as she opened up on her sister’s cancer battle The 28-year-old star is recognised for portraying Belle Dingle in the popular ITV soap, a part she assumed from Emily Mather in 2005.
Belle has featured in numerous unforgettable storylines throughout the years, including killing her best friend Gemma Andrews (Tendai Rinomhota), fabricating a pregnancy, and receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis. Additionally, the cherished character was involved with serial killer Lachlan White (Thomas Atkinson), and fronted a prominent 2024 storyline, which depicted her being coercively controlled and abused by her villainous husband Tom King (James Chase).
Away from the Dales, actress Eden has also faced significant challenges after her sister Francesca was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia aged just 14. This form of cancer, which targets white blood cells, is known to advance “quickly and aggressively,” the NHS website states. After months of treatment, Francesca was declared cancer-free by doctors, and has recently marked five years in remission, reports the Mirror.
Eden has now announced on Instagram that she’ll be participating in the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year to fundraise for the Teenage Cancer Trust, inspired by Francesca’s health journey. The star revealed why she decided to take on the challenge.
Sharing several family photos, she explained: “At 14 years old, my little sister Chessie was diagnosed with cancer, which turned our whole world upside down. But Teenage Cancer Trust were there every step of the way. They’re the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer.
“This charity is incredibly close to me and my family’s hearts. I am so thankful that Chessie was treated and supported on one of their 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.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact this charity had on a young person’s life. Like all Teenage Cancer Trust wards, they rely completely on public funding and get no support from the Government.”
She added: “If you can spare anything, please donate to this incredible charity through my GoFundMe page. It means so much to me, and all the young people they support! I want to help raise as much money as possible, so together with Teenage Cancer Trust, I can help others just like Chessie. 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!”
Several of Eden’s Emmerdale colleagues quickly responded in the comments section to show their support, with Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, posting: “Beautiful,” alongside two heart emojis. Beth Cordingly, who portrays Ruby Miligan, responded: “What an amazing person story, thank you for sharing xx amazing honey, well done,” whilst Kerry Wyatt star Laura Norton added: “Amazing girl.”
Shebz Miah, who takes on the role of Kammy Hadiq, remarked: “Light work you got this,” and April Windsor actress Amelia Flanagan likewise posted: “Amazing.” Former Dales star Daisy Campbell, recognised for her portrayal of Amelia Spencer, shared similar sentiments, stating: “So proud of you.”
Eden had previously disclosed that she learned about her sister’s diagnosis whilst on the Emmerdale set. During an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, discussing the support she’d been given, the actress revealed: “They [the Emmerdale] team were amazing. We were on tea break and they just said, ‘Go, anything you need we’re here’. I was just in shock. They gave me a month off, so while Ches was in intensive chemo, I could be there. They’re amazing.”
She continued: “It was so tough to see someone you love so much and so tiny go through all of that and as much as you’re there supporting them, you can’t fix it and you can’t help.”
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, and Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and STV as part of ITV’s new soap power hour scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale
- Coronation Street Full Episode | Tuesday 27th January
- Emmerdale Full Episode | Tuesday 27th January
- Coronation Street Today epi (26 Jan 2026): Emotions Run High as Secrets Come to Light
- Emmerdale Today (26 January 2026) Secrets Resurface and Dangerous Truths Come Out
- Next week 26th to 30th January on Emmerdale Kim and Joe are faced with a ghost from the past, Paddy continues to protect Bear and Ruby comes to a horrific realisation.
