Julia Bradbury shares determination to stay alive and see children grow up after cancer fight

Julia Bradbury has said she wants to stay alive to see her children grow up after battling cancer.

The Countryfile star, 53, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and has since undergone a mastectomy and reconstruction, sharing her journey with her fans along the way.

Opening up to The Times, the TV star revealed that her illness had given her the opportunity to think about her life and make some changes.

Read more: Julia Bradbury celebrates wearing a bikini again for the first time since her breast cancer op

"When I had that first biopsy, I was like, 'I want to see my children grow up'," said Bradbury, who is mum to 12-year-old son Zeph and eight-year-old twin girls Zena and Xanthe .

"I want to live through GCSEs and A-levels and 21st birthdays and university.

"I want to see them as adults. I just want to stay alive."

Bradbury now rarely drinks alcohol and is focused on her wellness, with eating well and making sure she spends time in nature very important to her.

She said while she used to keep later hours she is now in bed early and that she also keeps a gratitude journal.

The TV star went on: "Cancer has shaped who I am, but it doesn't define who I am.

"It profoundly changed my life and the way I think and behave."

Bradbury previously spoke about her breast cancer diagnosis in emotional documentary, Julia Bradbury: Breast Cancer & Me.

Read more: Julia Bradbury says 'goodbye left boob' before cancer op

The programme followed the star from diagnosis through to surgery and saw her trying to make sense of her illness for her children.

Watch: Julia Bradbury discusses breast cancer documentary on This Morning