SAD NEWS: BBC Star D!es Aged 41 From C@ncer In Heartbreaking Turn After Being Declared C@ncer-Free
Rebekah was known to millions as Casualty’s Nina Farr (Image: BBC)
Recognised by millions of fans for her leading role in the hugely popular BBC drama Casualty, Rebekah Gibbs tragically died of cancer at just 41, having given birth only weeks before her initial diagnosis.
For three years, the gifted actress played paramedic Nina Farr in the prime time Saturday night BBC drama. She left from the role in 2006, having decided to focus on starting a family.
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Alongside her part in Casualty, Rebekah had graced the stage in Starlight Express, A Chorus Line and Grease, as well as making further television appearances in The Bill.
Courageous until the very end, Rebekah wrote a moving column chronicling her cancer journey, touchingly describing the profound impact the cruel disease had taken on her life and those closest to her.
She received her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2008, just weeks after welcoming her beloved daughter, Gigi. Rebekah, who passed away in 2014, had first noticed a lump while pregnant and just weeks from her due date, reports the Daily Star.
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Rebekah was diagnosed just weeks after giving birth to her daughter (Image: Rex)
Writing in her column for the Mirror, Rebekah said: “I close my eyes, and I am right back there, in front of the TV, feeling petrified as I desperately run my finger above my baby bump and under my breast, willing the lump to disappear. That crushing fear has stayed with me. It’s with me every day.”
Following the birth of her child, the new mother was told she had an aggressive form of breast cancer, yet Rebekah resolved to fight it with every ounce of her strength. Two years following her initial diagnosis, she celebrated being told she was cancer-free.
Rebekah said: “I won’t get cocky though and I take each day as it comes. I am always a little unsure about the future.”
Rebekah Gibbs left her role to start a family (Image: undefined)
The positive news continued to come, and in 2013 Rebekah and her family marked a momentous milestone — reaching her five-year cancer-free anniversary.
Tragedy struck, however, when the following year, while holidaying in Devon with her young daughter Gigi and husband Ashley Pitman, Rebekah suffered a devastating seizure.
She was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with two brain tumours, as well as one in her neck and a lesion on her lung.
Rebekah was transferred to The Hospice in the Weald in Kent, where she passed away surrounded by her family.
Her husband, Ashley, said at the time: “Rebekah had wonderful care and felt loved and safe right up until the end, especially with the outstanding nursing staff at the Hospice in the Weald, who were exceptional.
Rebekah Gibbs and her husband Ashley Pitman (Image: undefined)
“I’d like to thank them and her dear, loving friends, from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support we received over the last year. Without which Rebekah and I would not have been able to cope.
“I’d also like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and messages at this difficult time. My daughter and I take a great deal of comfort from this as we come to terms with life without our Rebekah.”
Rebekah with her Casualty co-stars (Image: BBC)
Her Casualty co-stars were equally swift to pay tribute to the actress “who lit up a room”. James Redmond, who portrayed John ‘Abs’ Denham, said: “So sad to hear lovely Rebekah Gibbs has passed away. She lit up every room with her smile and positivity. R.I.P.”
Her close friend and former Coronation Street actress Hayley Tamaddon also paid tribute, writing: “Sad day. My dear friend passed away today. A true star, always smiling and so positive. Never to be forgotten. So many memories. We will never forget you Becky. Keep twinkling. Wherever you are.”
