Gemma Collins has opened up about what she described as the “toughest week” of her life, as her mother, Joan, continues to battle illness and remains in hospital.
The reality star, who rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, revealed that her mother is struggling with pneumonia and is “really struggling” with her condition.
In an emotional social media post, Gemma wrote: “This week has been the toughest week of my life I didn’t know if I was coming or going. My mum is really unwell, and I just want to thank the NHS doctors and nurses at Broomfield Hospital and Chelmsford Hospital for taking such good care of her.
“Mum has pneumonia and is really struggling. If you believe in prayer like me, please say a prayer for her to get well as soon as possible. Thank you to all my closest friends and everyone who has reached out to higher powers to help mum you know who you are.
“Also, thank you to all the friends and family who have visited and kept bringing love for mum. Mum and I have always loved Madonna and her music, and it’s helping me get through at the moment, giving me a lift.”
Gemma Collins received an outpouring of support from her celebrity friends following her emotional update. Real Housewives star Tanya Bardsley wrote, “O Gems. Sending so much to you all,” alongside a prayer emoji. Designer Daniel Lismore added, “Love you angel,” while stylist Lauren Mauro commented, “Sending you so much love to you all, Gemma!”
Over the past few weeks, Gemma has kept her fans informed about her mother Joan’s ongoing health struggles, following multiple hospital visits in recent years.
Last year, Gemma revealed that Joan had experienced another serious health scare, urging her followers to cherish every moment. She explained, “No day is to be taken for granted. Mum went for a check-up and was kept in the hospital last night. This year has been one thing after another.”
She also recounted a terrifying hospital emergency in which her mother’s life was at risk. Speaking to The Sun, Gemma said: “I’ve had a lot of stress over the last couple of weeks. My mum was suddenly taken into hospital, and I was told she could die. They would not resuscitate her if she went into cardiac arrest.
“So imagine that I had been out for dinner the day before, and the next day I was facing the possibility of losing her. It was a massive shock.”
The previous year, Joan had also fallen ill unexpectedly and was admitted to the hospital for further treatment and investigations. Gemma described it as a “scary moment” when her mother was taken to Queens Hospital in Romford, Essex.