Former* Casualty* actress Rebekah Gibbs has tragically died at the age of 41 after losing her long battle with breast cancer. She was first diagnosed back in 2008, a mere ten weeks after giving birth to her daughter Gigi.
She died in the early hours of Tuesday morning (11th November 2014) at The Hospice in the Weald, Pembury, Kent. Rebekah racked up starring roles in the likes of Fame, Grease, Starlight Express and The Bill, however she was best known for her role as paramedic Nina Farr on the BBC’s medical drama, Casualty.
Talent agency Belfield and Ward confirmed the news last night, tweeting: "Darling Rebekah Gibbs, a true inspiration and dazzling light, never to be forgotten."
Speaking at the time of her diagnosis, Rebekah said: "After a week and a half of being prodded and poked, I’d been given the most horrendous news. At the age of 35, I had an aggressive form of breast cancer: grade three."
Rebekah lived with her husband Ashley Pitman, who she married in September 2009, in Tunbridge Wells. One of her Casualty co-stars, James Redmond posted the following stateing on Twitter:
He released the following statement: “In the early hours of 11th November 2014, our beloved Rebekah Gibbs, aged 41, passed away peacefully at The Hospice in the Weald, Pembury, Kent, with her mother, myself and a close family friend by her side.
“As is well documented, Rebekah was first diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer in 2008, when our daughter was just 10 weeks old. She underwent vigorous treatment and was declared in remission in 2013. Sadly, a few months later, she suffered a seizure in Devon and was subsequently diagnosed with two brain tumours and lesions in the lung. After undergoing more aggressive treatment, it was declared incurable.
“Rebekah had wonderful care and felt loved and safe right up until the end, especially with the outstanding nursing staff at the Hospice in the Weald, who were exceptional. I'd like to thank them and her dear, loving friends, from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support we received over the last year. Without which Rebekah and I would not have been able to cope.
“I'd also like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and messages at this difficult time. My daughter and I take a great deal of comfort from this as we come to terms with life without our Rebekah.”