Actress Lucy Davis, known for her role in "The Office," made her first public appearance on Saturday since revealing her diagnosis with stage four incurable breast cancer. She attended the For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi convention at London's ExCeL.
Davis, 53, appeared alongside her "Shaun of the Dead" co-star Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright. She walked slowly onto the stage, having previously disclosed that standing and walking for extended periods can be difficult, sometimes requiring a wheelchair. Her father, comedian Jasper Carrott, 81, was present backstage, watching her entrance.
Carrott expressed his hope for his daughter's future and stated he has been providing support since her diagnosis. Fans at the convention offered messages of support and respect for Davis's appearance.
During the event, Davis referred to her fans as her "second family" and shared a message about perseverance. She also offered advice to aspiring individuals in the film industry, encouraging them not to accept perceived limitations. "Our only limitations are the things that we think are limiting us," she told the audience. "You can do anything and be anybody, and don’t apologise for it."
Davis announced her diagnosis approximately 11 days prior to the convention. In a social media post, she expressed surprise at the attention her announcement received and gratitude for the messages of kindness and support. She also humorously noted that some early reports had misinterpreted her update.
In her initial announcement, Davis shared that she discovered a small lump in her breast a year prior and initially hesitated to seek medical attention. Despite the incurable nature of her cancer, she stated she is at peace with her prognosis.
Davis has a history of health issues, including a kidney transplant in 1997 and subsequent hospital treatment for kidney failure in 2005. She has also spoken openly about her past struggles with bulimia.