Janey Godley, the renowned Scottish comedian, has embarked on an intensely personal and emotional chapter of her life, as she faces terminal cancer and shares poignant moments on social media. The 63-year-old actress, who became widely known for her humorous voiceovers of Nicola Sturgeon’s COVID-19 briefings, is now focusing on her palliative care after having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer back in 2021. The health complications led her to reveal last month her transition to ‘end of life care’ as her options for chemotherapy had run their course.
Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Godley has been open about her condition, using social media to connect with fans and share her experiences. She recently posted heartwarming content about her beloved dachshund, Honey, after being reunited with her during this challenging time. The videos revealed the emotional bond they share, with Honey showing evident joy as she jumped up to her owner on the bed. Godley captured the moment beautifully, telling her dog, "I know, I missed you too.”
For Godley, the little moments matter. When sharing from her bed, she showed Honey wrapped snugly in a green blanket beside her, emphasizing the comfort her pet brings amid her cancer battle. Another clip depicted Honey shaking with excitement and affection, emblematic of their deep connection. It’s these snippets of normalcy, infused with love, highlighting Godley’s efforts to remain upbeat even amid the uncertainties of life.
This past month hasn't just been about her dog. Godley also documented visits from family, particularly her husband, Sean Storrie, whom she married at just 19 years of age. Here's where Godley's resilience shines through; she has been candid about discussing death and how these moments impact families.
“Husbands coming to see me today – as every day – the sheer love and outpouring of support also talking about death and living in hospice is a brilliant thing,” she expressed. “People need to have more dialogue around death and how families are affected at this time; it’s scary I know.” It’s this kind of raw honesty that's so refreshing and relatable. Godley encourages others to confront yet another aspect of life: the inevitable end.
Godley's health challenges have been considerable. After initially being declared cancer-free following her treatment, the disease resurfaced, complicated by new issues. The comedian had been balancing her health struggles with her career until announcing the cancellation of her upcoming autumn tour—"Why Is She Still Here?"—based on medical advice. The response from her fans flooded social media, with many expressing their heartbreak and support.
Earlier this fall, Godley had shared her final medical updates via X (formerly Twitter), confirming she had moved to the hospice and was adjusting to her new environment. The updates showcased the serene view from her hospice room and included gratitude for the outpouring of support from her followers. On social media, she noted, "At the hospice now," portraying both acceptance and the strength needed to face her reality.
Beyond her current health situation, Godley has also been vocal against online bullying, particularly from those who attacked her views surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. Even when grappling with her illness, she remained defiant against the transphobia she faced, asserting, "It doesn’t matter how many transphobes attack me... I won’t become them. I won’t think how they think. It’s a waste of their time banging on at me – I’m not going to be one of them.” This spirit of resistance adds another layer to her public persona, proving she is fiercely committed to her values.
Godley’s efforts not only shed light on the realities of cancer but also on the importance of open discussions surrounding death. She aims to encourage more conversations about what end-of-life care really means, insisting these dialogues can help demystify the process and provide comfort to families who navigate these harrowing circumstances.
For those who might be struggling with similar situations, resources like Macmillan Cancer Support stand ready to aid those diagnosed, offering information and help. Their helpline is available around the clock, providing reassurance when it’s most needed.
Through her public posts, Godley remains dedicated to sharing her life’s truth, reminding everyone of the strength found within vulnerability. Her updates resonate deeply, offering both heartfelt moments of her reunion with Honey and substantial discussions on existential themes. It’s how she connects with her audience one last time, and it’s clear: she hopes to leave behind more than just laughter—for she clearely wants to impart wisdom about life and love when times get tough.
