Actress Natalie Cassidy's nine-year-old daughter, Joanie, has been hospitalized after sustaining another arm injury. The fall at school resulted in the arm being "smashed to pieces," requiring general anesthesia and a repeat of a previous operation. This incident occurred just eight weeks after Joanie had metal plates removed from the same arm, which had been operated on for a previous fracture.
Cassidy described the emotional toll of the injury, stating she "felt like she was having a nervous breakdown" upon hearing the news. The actress, who shares Joanie with fiancé Marc Humphreys, also has an older daughter, Eliza, 15. The family had been planning a relaxed home-based "mini holiday" when the accident happened as Joanie slipped in the school hall before PE.
This is the third time Joanie has broken the same arm. Her first break was described as a clean fracture, followed by a second break that necessitated the insertion of metalwork. The recent injury has led Cassidy to consider whether her daughter might have an underlying deficiency, but medical tests have shown all results to be within normal ranges. A consultant suggested it was likely "just really bad luck."
Despite the distress, Cassidy praised the hospital staff for their care during their stay. However, the injury will complicate upcoming travel plans, as Joanie will require medical clearance to fly with a cast and a waterproof cover for swimming.
Cassidy, known for her role in "EastEnders," recently explored a career path in caregiving for a BBC docuseries after caring for her father until his death at age 84. The experience of looking after her father inspired her to document the challenges within Britain's care system. She noted that caring has been a significant aspect of her life since childhood.