Television presenter Nadia Sawalha has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of her close friend, Hannah Gardner, who succumbed to a prolonged battle with breast cancer. On December 28, 2023, Sawalha expressed her profound sorrow, describing Gardner as a “daughter” and revealing that the loss has left her “shocked and distraught.”
In an emotional statement posted online, Sawalha wrote, “Rest in peace now, darling. Our beautiful Hannah… Although we knew it was coming, we are all so deeply shocked and distraught. No need to be brave anymore darling you can now rest in peace and all the love you created. You were and will forever be deeply loved.” She also extended her gratitude to the staff at The Princess Alice Hospice in Esher for their exceptional care during Gardner’s final days.
Gardner’s Journey and Sawalha’s Advocacy
Hannah Gardner had been living with cancer for over a decade. In October 2022, Sawalha discussed Gardner’s participation in a clinical trial for the drug Enheru, which showed promise but was ultimately not sufficient to halt the cancer’s progression. Nadia was actively involved in raising funds, aiming for £150,000 to support a legal appeal for the NHS to provide this potentially life-saving treatment.
Enheru is estimated to cost around $10,000 per patient annually in the United States, where it is currently available. This financial burden has been a significant concern for Gardner’s family, particularly as they navigated her illness and its impact on their lives.
Reflecting on her bond with Gardner, Sawalha previously told The Sun, “Hannah is my daughter, that’s the way I think of it. From the first day I met her, when we were climbing the Himalayas for CoppaFeel!, I felt this unbelievable strength.” The two met during a charity trek for CoppaFeel!, an organization raising awareness about breast cancer.
Family and Future Concerns
As Gardner battled cancer, concerns grew for her daughter, Lila Ray, who was diagnosed with autism. Sawalha noted, “Hannah’s deepest wish is to secure Lila’s future – specialist care, therapy, and a safety net to ease the road ahead.” The situation was further complicated when Gardner’s husband, a firefighter, faced the possibility of leaving work to become a full-time caregiver for their daughter.
The loss of Hannah Gardner marks a significant moment for those who knew her, especially for Sawalha, whose advocacy for cancer awareness has been deeply intertwined with her friendship. The impact of Gardner’s journey continues to resonate, highlighting the critical need for support and resources for families affected by cancer.
