Lorraine Kelly took a moment to pause her ITV show during today’s episode to pay tribute to her late co-star, who has died aged 50.
Following an advert break, the TV presenter told her viewers: ‘I’m very sorry to have to share some sad news this morning.
‘One of our amazing singers, Heather Sawyer, has died from secondary breast cancer. Heather was only 50 years old, an astonishing woman.
‘She was such a huge part of the choir, so passionate about everything. Amazing.’
Sawyer was a part of the Change and Check Choir, which was set up on Lorraine to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the programme’s breast cancer awareness campaign.
Their debut song, Golden, was launched in 2023 and featured the singer Joss Stone.
How to check for signs of breast cancer
CoppaFeel! offers these simple steps on how to check your own chest for signs of cancer.
- Look at your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Look at the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in size, outline or shape and changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling.
- Feel each of your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Feel the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling, or any lumps, bumps or skin thickening which are different from the opposite side.
- Look at each of your nipples.
Be aware of any nipple discharge that’s not milky, any bleeding from the nipple, any rash or crusting on or around your nipple area that doesn’t heal easily and any change in the position of your nipple
In an Instagram post, Sawyer’s husband Lee announced that she had died on Saturday October 5, as he thanked her followers for the support that they had given her.
‘The update we never ever wanted to give..’ he wrote.
‘Shortly before 1am this morning 5th October Heather lost her fight to cancer and took her last breathes and passed away peacefully.
‘We know just how many people have followed Heather’s journey and how many lives she has touched from the sheer volume of messages voice notes the flood of the #hevupsocials hashtag..’
Lee continued: ‘We as a family want to firstly thank each and every one of you beautiful people who have visited sent well wishes and thought of Heather during this time it has not gone un noticed and we will be forever grateful to each and everyone of you as you all made her know just how loved she was in her final days.
‘Please don’t be offended if we don’t respond to message just know we do see them all! Lots of love Lee and the family ❤️.’
In a post shared on X, the official account for Lorraine honoured Sawyer, writing: ‘Everyone at Lorraine is sending their love to everybody who loved Heather Sawyer, who has sadly died from secondary breast cancer. 🩷.’
Numerous people expressed their condolences after Sawyer’s husband Lee announced the news of her death.
‘I’m so sorry 😢 absolutely heartbroken 💔 I can’t even imagine how you’re all feeling. I wish I could take some of the pain away. What a absolutely awesome person she is and I am so glad I got to meet her xxxx,’ said an Instagram user called Lizzi.
‘I’m so very very sorry to hear this news. She will be very missed by us all. She was such a joy to know and i feel lucky to have been part of her life. Sending so much love to you all at this difficult time. Xx,’ wrote Laura.
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Dr Anisha also shared: ‘I’m utterly heartbroken to read this. Heather was the kindest, most sincere, loving, vivacious individual who always looked out for us and proud to call her my friend. Sending you and your family so much love Lee x.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.