Gemma Collins Shares Emotional Update on Mum Joan After Five-Week Hospital Ordeal
Gemma Collins has opened her heart to fans with a deeply emotional update on her mum Joan, following what she has described as one of the most frightening periods of her life.
The reality TV star, 44, took to Instagram to thank the hospital staff who have been caring for her mother over the past five weeks, after Joan was rushed into hospital suffering from pneumonia.
Last month, Gemma revealed that her 70-year-old mum — a familiar face to fans after appearing alongside her on TV — had been admitted during what she called “the toughest week of my life.”
Now, she says Joan’s recovery feels nothing short of miraculous.
“An Absolute Miracle”
Sharing a touching photo of Joan lying in her hospital bed as she received a warm hug from Gemma’s fiancé Rami Hawash’s son Tristan, the Diva Forever star poured out her gratitude.
“This day I will never forget,” Gemma wrote.
“Thank you to EVERYONE at Broomfield Hospital over the last five weeks — from reception to the tea lady, physios, doctors and nurses. It’s an absolute MIRACLE.”
She went on to thank everyone who had reached out with prayers, messages and support during the ordeal.
“Thank you to everyone who’s come up to me, contacted me, and prayed for my mum,” she added.
Overwhelmed by Kindness
Gemma also spoke about the comfort she’s found in the kindness of strangers, revealing how people had stopped her in shops just to offer a hug or ask how her mum was doing.
She used the moment to share a powerful message ahead of Christmas.
“God is good,” she wrote.
“@nhsengland please make the most of loved ones this Christmas — not the presents, not the matching PJs — just who’s around the table.”
Love Floods In
The post was quickly met with an outpouring of love from fans and famous friends alike.
Actress Patsy Palmer commented: “So happy to hear.”
Close friends Jedward wrote: “Grateful for Joan’s recovery — it really was a miracle. She’s a fighter.”
Mark Wright’s mum Carol also shared her support, writing: “Best words — and so true. Sending you all love.”
A Long and Painful Health Journey
Joan’s latest hospital stay comes after several deeply worrying health battles in recent years.
In May 2024, Gemma revealed that her mum had been rushed into intensive care following a breast cancer diagnosis, after she stopped breathing. Joan had discovered a cancerous lump between her breast and armpit the year before.
Just weeks later, Gemma bravely opened up about being told her mum might not survive another emergency — and that doctors would not resuscitate her if she went into cardiac arrest.
Speaking at a book launch at the time, Gemma said:
“I’ve had a lot of stress the last couple of weeks. My mum was suddenly taken into hospital and I was told she could die. They would not resuscitate her if she went into cardiac arrest.”
A Family Holding On to Hope
Through every scare, Gemma has never hidden how close she is to her mum — a bond that has been a constant since she first found fame on The Only Way Is Essex back in 2012.
Now, with Joan on the road to recovery, Gemma is choosing gratitude over fear, and family over everything else.
After weeks of uncertainty, she’s holding on to what matters most — faith, love, and the people gathered close.