Home and Away’s real-life health battles – cancer, endometriosis and mental health

Home and Away has seen its fair share of health battles over the years.

Last month Ari Parata , played by Rob Kipa-Williams, was the last character to bid goodbye to the soap as a result of a health condition, after being diagnosed with an incredibly rare form of cancer named pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Ari opted to die on his own terms surrounded by family instead of undergoing regular and brutal operations.

And who could forget the hearbreaking exit of gym worker Billie Ashford in February 2017, who gave birth to her rapist’ baby and then was told by doctors she has an inoperable tumour.

She later asks husband VJ to take her and her daughter Lucinda to the beach before she dies in his arms.

Many of the Australian soap’s actors have been through some of their own health woes.

Daily Star Online takes a look at some of the star real life health battles – from brain cancer, endometriosis and mental health problems.

Johnny Ruffo – brain cancer

In 2017 Chris Harrington actor Johnny was suffering from debilitating headaches and took himself to hospital.

After doctors discovered he had brain cancer, he was placed in a coma and underwent emergency surgery to remove a seven-centimetre tumour.

After having radiotherapy treatment Johnny was hit by the heartbreaking news last year that he he was battling brain cancer for the second time.

In a social media post, he wrote: “After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches it is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned,

“Though I will dig deep and beat this s**t disease again.”

Johnny is currently going through more procedures before doctors will assess him to see if the treatment is working or not.

Sophie Dillman – endometriosis

Sophie Dillman, who plays Ziggy Astonihas, had had to undergo three operations to treat uterine disorder endometriosis.

In 2020 she revealed that at times she has needed medication and even hidden hot water bottles in her costumes on set.

The 26-year-old tells The Daily Telegraph: “I have really bad pain days where I have to take a lot of medication and can’t do a lot.”

Sophie says she became an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia when she was suffering the most.

“I contacted them in a really dark time of my life when I was in a lot of pain most days,” she said.

The actress added: “I have to walk around with a hot water bottle in my costume.”

She also explained she uses a “team of specialists”, including a gynaecologist, a physio and a naturopath – and became an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia when she was suffering the most.

“I contacted them in a really dark time of my life when I was in a lot of pain most days,” she added.

Nic Westaway – mental health

Former Home and Away star Nic Westaway has struggled with mental health for many years.

Nic, who starred as Kyle Braxton between 2012 and 2016, has been frank and open about his battle, saying while he hasn’t officially been diagnosed with depression, he’s “struggled at times”.

The 32-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last he has had his fair share of “dark” days and trying times over the years.

He told how he got through dark periods with the help of friends and family, support groups plus free counselling sessions.

Nic said: “All those options I’ve utilised at different times and come out of it not back to where I was, but a couple of steps further in terms of my personal development and growth and this is why this challenge to me is important.”

He also said he wants to remove the “stigma” around mental health and encourage people to feel like it’s okay for people to get help if they need it.

Nic said: “When people go, ‘my mental health is not great right now,’ there should be an open acceptance of like, go and do something about it, start meditating, do mindfulness techniques, reach out to family and friends.”

Ray Meagher – heart surgery

Legendary Home and Away star Ray Meagher, who has as played Alf Stewart since the first episode of the show in 1998, had been plagued with heart issues.

In 2019 Ray, 77, underwent emergency heart surgery and had a triple bypass the following year.

Ray had to have a triple bypass after what was supposed to be a routine health check, according to Melbourne’s Herald Sun.

Doctors reportedly rushed Ray into surgery after test results showed the star had multiple blockages.

In 2020 the Home And Away star discussed his issues on The Morning Show, where he described the events leading up to his second procedure.

After experiencing a lingering ‘tickle’ in his chest, Ray said his doctor decided to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect any abnormalities in his heart.

Unperturbed by his health scare, Ray revealed he has been “singing and dancing” ever since having the procedure.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk