The soap actress - who played Kim Tate, the step-mother of Leah’s character Zoe in the ITV soap - said she is “heartbroken” by her friend’s illness.
Open Image Modal
Claire King and Leah Bracknell on 'Emmerdale' in 1989
Rex
Leah went public with her cancer battle last week, when her partner set up a GoFundMe page for fans to donate money to help her undergo a clinical trial in Germany.
Leah, who played Zoe Tate from 1989 to 2005, has also published a statement on GoFundMe to thank fans for their “overwhelming” support.
Open Image Modal
Claire has spoken out in support of her former co-star
Dave J Hogan via Getty Images
“I almost don’t know what to say, other than I am so deeply moved and touched and humbled by your incredibly generosity and open hearts,” she said. “So much kindness from old friends and new.
“I had no idea, did not expect anything like this. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, and send oceans of love your way, wherever you are and whatever you may be going through now. I feel very blessed. Very lucky to have a chance of treatment options because of you. I am in everlasting gratitude.
“Life can sure chuck some s**t at you. But when your glass is half full (as of course mine is these days!) you may be surprised to see that there is still beauty, humanity, love, kindness, hope, joy, community all around, in each and every breath.”
Kylie Minogue moved to Paris for treatment for breast cancer following her diagnosis in 2005. She eventually gave some intensely revealing interviews about this dark period in her life, and said the 5-year anniversary would be a very important moment.
(02 of22)
Open Image Modal
Delta Goodrem - was diagnosed at 18 with Hodgkins Lymphoma, an announcement that incited an outpouring of support from her particularly Australian fanbase.
(03 of22)
Open Image Modal
Leslie Ash became the unfortunate figurehead of the MRSA bug that plagued various UK hospitals after she caught the superbug. The actress was awarded £5m in damages, and still walks with a stick.
(04 of22)
Open Image Modal
In the two decades since Michael J Fox's Parkinson's diagnosis, the popular actor has continued to work on both TV and film, as well as writing two autobiographies and creating a foundation. He has received many awards for his humanitarian work, and says that his illness has in countless ways improved his life.
(05 of22)
Open Image Modal
Olivia Newton-John's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has inspired the Australian singer to work tirelessly on behalf of others, including walking the Chinese wall to raise funds for her new Wellness Centre in a Melbourne hospital.
(06 of22)
Open Image Modal
TLC's T-Boz (Tionna Watkins) was diagnosed as a child with sickle cell anaemia, which gave her a reduced life expectancy by doctors she has continued to confound.
(07 of22)
Open Image Modal
Christopher Reeve was paralysed following his fall from a horse in 1995. Until his death a decade later, the actor dedicated his efforts to raising funds and advocating for political support to removing the blocks to essential stem cell research for spinal injuries.
(08 of22)
Open Image Modal
Anastasia - the American singer discovered she had breast cancer during a standard mammogram ahead of breast reduction surgery in 2003. Following her own treatment, she immediately launched the Anastasia Fund to promote awareness among younger women.
(09 of22)
Open Image Modal
Michael C Hall had a mixed year in 2010. He received a Golden Globe for his role in Dexter, which he accepted during his treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The following April, he announced himself once again fit for work.
(10 of22)
Open Image Modal
Anthony Andrews - was hospitalised in 2003 for "a salt imbalance". This came about as the unexpected consequence of drinking too much water while performing on stage during a hot weather spell in London.
(11 of22)
Open Image Modal
Russell Watson has recently resumed his career after being struck down twice with life-threatening brain tumours. He has recorded his first album since treatment, and credits his surgery with his new, deeper voice.
(12 of22)
Open Image Modal
Martin Kemp - former singer and EastEnders star had two brain tumours in the 1990s, and had pioneering treatment for the second. He has been acting since, and returned to the road with his band Spandau Ballet.
(13 of22)
Open Image Modal
Sheryl Crow has not had a smooth time of it - going through treatment for breast cancer in 2006, and then this year announcing she has a brain tumour.
(14 of22)
Open Image Modal
Michael Douglas received intensive treatment for throat cancer - and the stress of watching her husband's gruelling experience ignited Catherine Zeta Jones' bipolar disorder for which she attended a clinic in America.
(15 of22)
Open Image Modal
Mariah Carey's husband Nick Cannon was struck down with liver failure in January this year. Following his recovery, he has made public the lifestyle changes he needs to make to ensure continued health.
(16 of22)
Open Image Modal
Sharon Stone - suffered a stroke in 2001, the seriousness of which was played down at the time, but which actually saw bleeding into her brain for nearly a fortnight. The actress only regained feeling in her left leg months later.
(17 of22)
Open Image Modal
Madonna broke several bones in 2005 when she fell from a horse, and suffered further bruising falling again in 2009...
(18 of22)
Open Image Modal
... as did TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, in a frightening fall in February this year, when she was learning to ride. Her horse stamped on her, and she lost three pints of blood.
(19 of22)
Open Image Modal
Cheryl Cole - malaria charities everywhere found their profiles shot up when the Girls Aloud singer caught the illness during a trip to Africa in 2010.
(20 of22)
Open Image Modal
... while sister Dannii has had to battle with an underactive thyroid condition.
(21 of22)
Open Image Modal
Peter Andre suffered from meningitis during his marriage to Katie Price, the symptoms of which first led him to think he merely had a bad bout of flu...
(22 of22)
Open Image Modal
... while Katie Price had a cancer scare in 2002 after having a malignant growth removed from her finger.