Angela McDonald Best, the former model and first wife of football legend George Best, has been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer that has spread to her liver, her son Calum Best revealed in an emotional social media video this week. The news has prompted an outpouring of support online as the 73-year-old battles the disease and seeks specialist treatment.
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In the video posted on 8 January 2026, Calum, 44, spoke candidly about the shock of the diagnosis, which he said came just a few weeks ago. “A few weeks ago, my beautiful, wonderful mum was diagnosed with cancer,” he said, explaining that despite her lifelong commitment to health and fitness, cancer “doesn’t discriminate.”
Calum described the past weeks as an “emotional rollercoaster,” admitting that he had struggled to find the right way to share the news publicly. “I wanted to get the words right, but when it comes to health, and when it comes to my mum, the only thing that really matters is honesty,” he said in the heartfelt message.
Best confirmed that his mother’s cancer has metastasised to her liver and said they now urgently need access to specialist care. He has launched a GoFundMe page to help fund her treatment, including consultations, targeted chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other advanced therapies, as well as associated costs like living and travel expenses. “This is incredibly hard for me to say, but financially, I can’t carry this on my own,” he told followers, urging people to support with whatever they can.
Angie herself shared a message through Calum’s post saying she is “ready to fight” the disease, highlighting that accessing consultations and research “all takes dosh which I don’t have.” She also noted that sharing her diagnosis could help raise awareness, pointing out that statistics suggest nearly one in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.
Born Angela MacDonald-Janes in Westminster, London, in 1952, Angie rose to public attention as a model and Playboy Bunny before transitioning into a successful fitness career. She trained celebrity clients in the United States and became well known for her work in health and wellness. After meeting George Best at a dinner party in Los Angeles in 1975, they married in 1978 and welcomed Calum in 1981, although their marriage ended in 1986.
Despite the end of their marriage, Angie maintained her own identity and career, moving back to the UK where she owns a gym in Henley-on-Thames and continues to promote fitness and healthy living. Over the years she worked as a personal trainer to high-profile clients and appeared on television, including a stint on Celebrity Big Brother alongside Calum.
Calum Best, a well-known television personality in his own right, paid tribute to his mother’s lifelong dedication to health and wellbeing, noting that she has always emphasised caring for the mind, body and soul. His appeal for support has drawn an outpouring of sympathy from fans and fellow celebrities alike, many praising Angie’s resilience and spirit as she confronts this difficult chapter.
As the family navigates this deeply personal challenge, Angie’s message of determination — “Wish me luck, Onwards and upwards Homies” — resonates with many who have followed her remarkable life in the public eye.
