Thetford woman forms friendship with EastEnders' Lola Pearce

Kylie Weatherby, from Thetford, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma whilst pregnant with twins in May 2021 – the same highly aggressive tumour as in the storyline of EastEnders character Lola Pearce.

Two weeks after delivering her twins Luca and Malena by caesarean section, Ms Weatherby started six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The 34-year-old, who is now undergoing further chemo for a second rare stage two brain tumour discovered six months ago, is a lifelong EastEnders fan and was impressed by Danielle Harold’s portrayal of Lola.

Kylie Weatherby with Danielle Harold (Image: Supplied)

Ms Weatherby was introduced to Danielle on the set of EastEnders in March and the pair have since kept in touch.

Ms Weatherby said their friendship “means the world”.

“I hit it off with her straight away. It was without a doubt one of the happiest days of my life, and such an amazing treat after all the health issues I’d been having," she said.

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Harold said: “It was great meeting Kylie and honestly felt like we’d known each other years. She has the most beautiful family and I am so pleased we have found this bond in such difficult times.

Kylie and her mum Barbara with Danielle Harold outside the Queen Vic (Image: Supplied)

"I showed her around the set, introduced her to my fellow cast members, chatted to her about her journey post-diagnosis and asked if there was anything I should do with Lola because it’s so important that I reflect what’s happening to real people in the brain tumour community.”

Brain Tumour Research is one of two charities working with EastEnders scriptwriters to ensure its brain tumour storyline is as realistic as possible.