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Former tennis player Annabel Croft expresses her reluctance to become a 'widow professional', acknowledging that the show Strictly Come Dancing provided a lifeline for her following her husband's demise and prevented her from drowning in grief.

Longtime spouse of a renowned tennis player passes away at 60, eight weeks after diagnosis of advanced colon cancer (2023).

Long-term spouse of a retired tennis pro dies at 60, eight weeks following diagnosis of stage 4...
Long-term spouse of a retired tennis pro dies at 60, eight weeks following diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer in 2023.

Former tennis player Annabel Croft expresses her reluctance to become a 'widow professional', acknowledging that the show Strictly Come Dancing provided a lifeline for her following her husband's demise and prevented her from drowning in grief.

Annabel Croft shares her harrowing journey following her husband's death, revealing how competing on 'Strictly Come Dancing' offered a lifeline in dealing with her grief. The couple, married for 36 years, suddenly lost Mel in 2023, just eight weeks after he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

In a heart-wrenching interview with The Telegraph, Croft explains her descent into despair after her husband's tragic death. "Literally within a few weeks, I was on the phone to my agent," she recounts. "I don't know what I would have done without being busy. I would have sunk."

As she reminisces about their marriage, Croft acknowledges the immense love they shared, but admits the grief is still a daunting journey. "There is so much to be positive about. I don't want to be a professional widow. I understand that a lot of people can identify with what I've been through, but I don't want grief to define me," she asserts.

Croft also shared her regrets about her husband's cancer diagnosis, believing that early knowledge about the role of sugar and carbohydrates in cancer spread could have made a difference. Before receiving the devastating news, she had assured Mel that everything was fine. "We weren't immediately advised about nutrition," she explains, "and I fear chocolate and other sugary foods may have hastened Mel's demise."

Mel's cancer spread to the liver, kidneys, and possibly the brain, ultimately leading to his death from sepsis. In retrospect, Croft wishes she had known the significance of avoiding sugar and carbohydrates during her husband's fight against cancer. Despite the overwhelming grief, Croft remains optimistic, marveling at the hope that kept Mel going until the end.

Recently, Croft advocated for greater awareness about the impact of sugar and carbohydrates on cancer progression. Studies suggest that certain dietary patterns, such as high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, may contribute to cancer development due to their potential effects on insulin resistance and inflammation. However, these relationships are still complex and require more thorough investigation.

Annabel Croft and Mel were married in 1993 and shared three adult children: Charlie, Amber, and Lilly. In the face of unspeakable tragedy, Croft finds solace in the memories of their incredible marriage and the lessons she garnered from their ordeal. "The grief comes in rain showers but they are getting less and then it's gone," she shared, reflecting on the healing journey she is undertaking.

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In Annabel Croft's recent interviews, she discusses her journey of grief and healing, stating, "I don't want grief to define me." She also shares insights on the role of nutrition in cancer progression, such as the potential impacts of high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, as she advocates for greater awareness in this area. Moreover, she occasionally engages with health and wellness videos and news, reflecting on the lessons learned from her husband's illness and passing.

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