Ms Aherne, who is best known for her roles on The Fast Show and The Royle Family, had been fighting cancer privately but chose to speak out to promote a £3.4m bid to improve care for Manchester cancer sufferers.
She and her brother, Patrick, were born with cancer of the retina, which left her partially-sighted in one eye. She also lost her father to the disease.
The actress is going to help launch the Macmillan Cancer Improvement Partnership, which will offer support to cancer sufferers and those affected by the disease in Manchester.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Ms Aherne revealed why the new scheme is so important.
“Even the best doctors, nurses and managers on earth aren’t going to be able to understand what needs improving unless people affected by cancer in Manchester get involved and tell them what needs to change,” she said.
“They’ve asked me to get involved and I’m really glad that I can do my bit.”
Image credit: Getty
