Leah Bracknell pens emotional letter as fundraising target exceeds £50k

An amazing show of goodwill.

Yesterday, news broke that former Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell had been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer. Her husband Jez had set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money towards treatment in the Hallwang clinic in Germany. Although the page has only been in operation for a few days, the target of £50,000 has been exceeded by almost £3,000. Leah, who played Zoe Tate on the popular soap for 16 years, has since taken to the Go Fund Me page to thank people for their generosity. Her letter, which you can view here, reads:

"Dear Beautiful people, This is Leah, I am completely overwhelmed. I almost don't know what to say, other than I am so deeply moved and touched and humbled by your incredibly generosity and open hearts. So much kindness from old friends and new. I had no idea, did not expect anything like this. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, and send oceans of love your way, wherever you are and whatever you may be going through now. I feel very blessed. Very lucky to have a chance of treatment options because of you. I am in everlasting gratitude. Life can sure chuck some s**t at you. But when your glass is half full, (as of course mine is these days!) you may be surprised to see that there is still beauty, humanity, love, kindness, hope, joy, community all around, in each and every breath. This is what you have shown me. I offer you this Native American Indian blessing in return: May the sun bring you new energy by day May the moon softly restore you by night May the rain wash away your worries May the breeze blow new strength into your being May you walk gently through the world And Know its beauty All the days of your life. In peace, and love, Leah xx".