Emmerdale's Zoe Tate reveals she has terminal lung cancer

Former Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell - who played Zoe Tate in the long-running ITV soap - has revealed she has terminal lung cancer.

The 52-year-old, who is now a healer and yoga teacher, was only told the tragic news five weeks ago.

In a desperate attempt to prolong her life, her and partner Jez Hughes have set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise £50,000 for pioneering treatment in Germany.

So far family and friends have pledged around £4,000 in donations but it is nowhere near the target.

Her partner Jez said she had "responded with incredible positivity" since her diagnosis and the couple had researched medical breakthroughs being made in treatments, but they were expensive.

"She really is a radiant jewel and shines such a bright light in the world. We want that light to shine as strong and long as possible."

The mum-of-two, who played vet Zoe in the soap from 1989 until 2005, first realised something was wrong after struggling to walk up a flight of stairs.

She said: "I was feeling perfectly well, fit and healthy.. and excited to be starting rehearsals for a comedy play, being back onstage, going on tour.

"But, it turns out that the universe had other plans. Life was about to be unexpectedly turned on its head.

"Following a difficult and terrifying night I was given an emergency procedure to remove a large amount of fluid from around my heart.

"However, the bad news is that I have been diagnosed with lung cancer, stage 4."

Tragically, Leah says doctors have told her it is not operable.

She added: "It's a fairly brutal and bleak diagnosis but one I am determined to challenge and see from the perspective of "a glass half full", going against a lifetime of pessimism, negativity and fear!!!!"

Leah, who was Emmerdale's first lesbian character, won the 'Best Exit' award at the British Soap Awards in 2006.