Laura Boyd
Tue 22 May 2012 11:09Share
My colleague Gillian Harvey and I had been looking forward to Friday May 18 for some time, as Peter Andre was coming to Glasgow and we were going to interview him.
Our job allows us to meet and greet a host of celebrities (we are very lucky ladies) but there was something about Mr. Andre which had us more excited than usual, as since we have been young girls, we have been big fans. You could say we are Insania for a bit of Pete – sorry!
He’s one of those people who comes across so well in his programme and we have written so much about him that we hoped we wouldn’t be disappointed when we got the chance to meet him in the flesh… and I’m pleased to report he exceeded all our expectations.
Pete was visiting Hamilton College as part of Fake Bake’s Save Your Skin campaign and it was lovely to see how excited the children were, as they listened to his warnings about the danger of sunbeds and sun worshipping.
He may not be an expert or a doctor, but his down-to-earth, honest approach to informing the pupils about his own sun-bathing habits and how it had damaged his skin seemed to have more impact than any formal presentation would have.
After meeting some of the children, it was time for press interviews.
Gill got all the showbiz goss with Pete, who was extremely open about his new show, his relationship status and what he’s up to at the moment, and then it was time for me to interview him for my blog and STV Health Centre.
As anyone who follows the star will know, Peter and his family have been going through a traumatic time of late, after his brother, Andrew, was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
The star flew 52-year-old Andrew from Australia to stay with him in the UK, so he can receive the best possible treatment and be pampered in Pete’s care.
For me, I have been extremely moved by how honest Peter and his family have been about Andrew’s battle and I have been following his ‘journey’ (that good old X Factor phrase) with interest, keeping everything crossed for Andrew.
I wanted to let Peter know this so I explained that I think the way he has handled the situation is admirable as I too have cancer. This was a little like dropping ‘the C bomb’ as my friends lovingly call it.
I didn’t mean to shock Pete but his reaction was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen and from then on, the interview took an extremely emotional twist.
Peter practically ended up interviewing me, keen to know about my treatment, how I am feeling and how I have coped.
He was so genuinely interested and was keen to get information in case anything I am going through could help Andrew and his emotion and heartfelt words honestly made me cry.
Peter said: “If enough people have the strength, if enough people send the positivity to you and you take that, you can get through anything cause there’s enough positive energy on you.”
He was extremely keen to emphasise the power of positive thinking and I think I wouldn’t be where I am today without that.
Peter’s reaction and kind words, combined with the yummy cuddle at the end, really made my day and boosted my confidence to once again continue to fight this and live life to the full.
Afterwards, I was interviewed for his ITV2 Show, My Life, (which I will be watching from the behind the sofa if it makes it on) and they asked me if I had a message for Andrew and what I thought about Peter featuring the illness on his programme.
For those who think it is wrong that the family have featured the cancer battle on the TV, I would have to disagree. I am sure for some people, keeping things behind closed doors is the best option, but for those who are willing to speak out, through the highs and lows of living with the disease, I think it can only help raise awareness that life does go on and cancer need not be a life sentence.
I am living with cancer, I refuse to think that I am dying of it and I hope Andrew can take some comfort in that and believe that he can do the same.
My leukaemia is under control and I am living as near normal (my friends will say I have never been normal) a life as possible.
I have been incredibly busy of late, attending the Fake Bake Glitz and Glamour ball, the inspiring Young Scot Awards and events like In:Demand Live, not to mention performing myself with rising stars Little Victories and numerous other ventures. Life is so busy but that’s just the way I like it!
I have my three monthly tests and check up at the hospital on Monday and I am feeling the dread creeping in, but I am keeping everything crossed that my results will be on track and I can continue working and partying hard.
I have birthdays, bridesmaid duties and a trip to New York coming up in the next month and I don’t have time to be ill! That attitude has got me through so far and I am determined to keep it that way. x
MYSTERIOUS GIRL
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