Camilla Franks pays tribute to Olivia Newton John who helped her through her own cancer battle

Fashion designer Camilla Franks has shared a touching tribute to Olivia Newton John who helped her through her own cancer battle following the actress’ death. 

Camilla said ‘angel’ Olivia was an ‘inspiration’ who ‘gave her hope’ and ‘held her hand’ during her own health struggles with breast cancer that resulted in a double mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

She is now in remission. 

The 46-year-old took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late Grease actress and singer with images of the pair at Olivia’s last ever concert two years ago where she wore one of Camilla’s designs on stage. 

She will be visited Gaia Retreat & Spa next week – which Olivia once owned – to light a candle and say ‘goodbye and thank you’. 

The 46-year-old said ‘angel’ Olivia ‘gave her hope’ and ‘held her hand’ during her own health battles with breast cancer that resulted in a double mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries

The beloved Aussie star died on Monday aged 73 at her home in southern California after a 30-year fight with cancer.

‘During a time in my life I needed a guiding light, Olivia you were there. My inspiration. Always reaching out and checking in even throughout your own battles which you fought so bravely and with such grace,’ Camilla wrote in the post. 

‘You’d send me lotions and potions (which sometimes I got wrong). You gave me hope. You held my hand. You were my inspirations and always will be.’

She took to Instagram to pay tribute to the actress and singer with images of the pair at Olivia’s last ever concert two years ago where she wore one of Camilla’s designs on stage

The designer continued saying was Olivia ‘selfless and kind’ and her heart is with her family during this difficult time. 

‘You were one of this world’s true earth angels and I will miss and love you always,’ she said.

‘The world has a broken heart because your heart broke down barriers worldwide. What a gift it was to be in your life and experience your magic.’

Camilla was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer just four months after giving birth to her daughter Luna, in 2018.

 Camilla was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer just four months after giving birth to her daughter Luna (pictured), in 2018

She discovered a lump while breastfeeding Luna, now four, whom she shares with fiancé J.P. Jones.

After giving birth and having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery Camilla endured six months of ‘intensive’ chemotherapy. 

She later removed her fallopian tubes and then her ovaries are a preventative measure. 

 After giving birth and having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery Camilla endured six months of ‘intensive’ chemotherapy

Camilla has been open about her ‘heartbreaking’ ordeal in the years since her diagnosis. 

In 2020, she penned an open letter to herself in ten years’ time where she celebrated her good health and reflected on her ‘unspeakably difficult’ journey. 

‘Your greatest role yet was the simple title of ‘Mum’. You earned this name in 2018 when Luna Gypsy Jones joined you earth side, just three months before you were diagnosed with BRCA1… It was short lived bliss, so brutally ripped away with no warning or explanation,’ she wrote. 

‘You took on a new title of Mum Fighting Breast Cancer. As a result of the BRCA1, this also meant the big O came into play. Not that one, your ovaries. Yep, they would need to go too. A big full stop. To robbed of things, you will never know again…⁠F*#% you, cancer.’

Camilla underwent surgery to remove her ovaries in May last year and is believed to be in remission currently.