Paddy McGuinness urged 'terrified' ex Christine to get vital test after family health ordeal

Paddy McGuinness once urged his "terrified" ex Christine McGuinness to get a crucial test after her family experienced a health ordeal. Paddy is hoping to complete his jaw-dropping 300-mile endurance ride on a classic chopper today for Children In Need.

It comes two years after his split with model Christine and, in her 2021 autobiography A Beautiful Nightmare, the Real Housewives of Cheshire star opened up about a terrifying health moment of her own that Paddy helped her through.

She spoke about how her mum's fight with breast cancer meant there was a "strong risk" she could develop the disease as well. But the thought of taking a test to check if she had it "terrified" her.

READ MORE: Christine McGuinness opens up on new flame after Paddy McGuinness split

READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness shares update on pal Chris Hoy as he offers help despite health struggle

Christine wrote: "I need to be around for my children for as long as possible and if that meant I was required to have a double mastectomy to reduce my chances of developing cancer, I was fully prepared to do it. Actually doing the test was another story. I put off having it for so long because I was terrified what the results might be.

"But it was something my husband encouraged me to do, too. He has a history of heart problems in his family and goes for regular check-ups himself. So, reluctantly, I went and got tested.

"It was all very easy, a simple swab test, and the results were sent to my GP. I didn't tell my mum about it until after I got the results, as I didn't want to put that extra worry on her. Many weeks of anguish and worry later, I got the results. It was negative. I felt so relieved."

The NHS says breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in women in the UK and anyone can get it. Symptoms can include a lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit.

It may also involve a change in the skin or the size or shape of the breasts, as well as nipple discharge, changes to the appearance of the nipples, and pain in the breast or armpit.

The health service stressed the importance of checking your breasts regularly to check what is normal for you personally. By doing so, it means that it will be easier to spot any changes. You should also visit your GP if you have any concerns. You can learn more about breast cancer on the NHS website here.