Katie McGlynn has told fans she’s “privileged” to be playing Sinead Tinker, after her devastating storyline has prompted a “huge increase in cervical cancer screenings”.
The Coronation Street star, 26, is currently at the centre of one of the soap’s most heartbreaking plots, with her character recently being told she only has three or four months left to live.
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After Wednesday night’s emotional visit to Weatherfield, Katie revealed the good news that the plot is having the intended response – encouraging women to have smears.
Like reality star Jade Goody, Katie’s character Sinead has been diagnosed with cervical cancer which, if caught early, can be treatable.
Sharing a message from a cancer nurse on her official Twitter account, Katie said: “It’s messages like this that make it all worthwhile. Feel privileged to be a part of this storyline @itvcorrie @MummysStar #corrie #cervicalcancer #smearcampaign #cancerandpregnancy.”
It’s messages like this that make it all worthwhile. Feel privileged to be a part of this storyline 🙏🏻❤️ @itvcorrie @MummysStar #corrie #cervicalcancer #smearcampaign #cancerandpregnancy pic.twitter.com/pnY2hxFui9
— Katie McGlynn (@KatiexMcGlynn) September 18, 2019
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The message forwarded from a health care professional said: “I’m a nurse in general practice in East Manchester. I just wanted to let you know the positive impact your storyline has on cervical cytology uptake.
“I’ve seen a huge increase in uptake in the last few weeks. Women who have not attended routine recall.”
She continued: “Thank you so much for your positive impact through drama. Thanks Corrie. Thanks Katie for your superb acting of this harrowing cancer experience. You make a difference.”
I can’t even begin to understand what it truly feels like to be going through something like Sinead,but from all the people I’ve met throughout this storyline, every single person has been so unbelievably brave! My heart goes out to anyone affected by cancer ❤ @itvcorrie #corrie
— Katie McGlynn (@KatiexMcGlynn) September 18, 2019
The same night, Katie also shared a heartfelt message to anyone fighting cancer.
She said: “I can’t even begin to understand what it truly feels like to be going through something like Sinead but, from all the people I’ve met throughout this storyline, every single person has been so unbelievably brave! My heart goes out to anyone affected by cancer.”
Fans were quick to share their gut-wrenching experiences of cancer, while others praised Katie’s portrayal of Sinead.
One said: “You’ve done an amazing job. You deserve an award, what a performance by you.”
Another added: “I’m so glad that this storyline is focusing more on the emotional side, especially from the partners point of view too. I know Corrie has done cancer stories before, but this just feels more realistic and the fact that Sinead’s so young and has a baby – it happens to anyone.”
Sinead was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and delayed treatment because she was pregnant, but discovered last week that her cancer had returned.
After finding a lump on her throat on her wedding day, she had her worst fears confirmed by her oncologist who revealed her cervical cancer had spread to her liver and lymph nodes.
In a gut-wrenching moment, Sinead and husband Daniel were told she has a matter of months to live.
Naturally, the storyline is set to get worse and worse as Sinead eventually succumbs to the disease.
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