In a deeply emotional tribute, Nadia Sawalha, known for her role on Loose Women, recently mourned the loss of her cherished friend, Hannah Gardner, who succumbed to breast cancer after a challenging fight. The news, which surfaced on Sunday, December 28, left the ITV presenter overwhelmed with grief. In her heartfelt message, Nadia expressed her devastation, comparing Hannah to a daughter and revealing her profound shock and sadness. She poignantly wrote, “Rest in peace now, darling.”

Reflecting on the profound impact Hannah had on those around her, Nadia continued, “Our beautiful Hannah… Even though we knew this day would come, it doesn’t lessen the depth of our shock and sorrow. There’s no need for bravery now, darling; you can find peace in the love you’ve left behind. You were, and will always be, deeply cherished.”

Nadia also took a moment to commend the staff at The Princess Alice Hospice in Esher for their exceptional compassion and care, not only towards Hannah but also her loved ones. “To all the staff, your kindness and dedication were extraordinary. Thank you,” she added.

Back in October of the previous year, Nadia had disclosed that Hannah was participating in a clinical trial for Enheru, a promising cancer treatment. Despite its potential, the progress was not swift enough to prevent the cancer from advancing. Even after the trial concluded, Nadia passionately led efforts to raise £150,000 for a legal appeal, aiming to facilitate the NHS’s adoption of this groundbreaking drug.

Although she completed the trial, Nadia was leading a desperate effort to raise £150,000 to fund a legal appeal that would enable the NHS to roll out the game-changing cancer drug.

It’s estimated to cost approximately £10,000 per patient per year in the US, where it is available to cancer patients. Hannah, who met the Loose Women star during a Coppafeel trek, lived with cancer for the past 12 years before she lost her battle with the disease.

Speaking about her close bond with Hannah, Nadia previously told The Sun: “Hannah is my daughter, that’s the way I think of it. That’s the way I’ve always felt about her.

“From the first day I met her, when we were climbing the Himalayas for CoppaFeel!, I felt this unbelievable strength. Her father was Iraqi. Her father died of liver cancer, actually, last year.

“Her father is Iraqi, and her mother is Irish. And so we have a similar mix, you know, and there’s just something just genetic about us that just connected. And so I fight like she’s my daughter.”

Back in March, Nadia admitted that she was concerned about Hannah’s daughter, Lila Ray, who had been diagnosed with autism. She said at the time: “Hannah’s deepest wish is to secure Lila’s future – specialist care, therapy, and a safety net to ease the road ahead.”

Things became more concerning for the family when Hannah’s husband, who works as a firefighter, feared he might have to leave his job to become a full-time carer for their daughter.