Agony aunt Denise Robertson vows to fight for health after cancer diagnosis

The 83-year-old writer and broadcaster, who lives in Boldon, said: "I'm sorry I've not been around for a couple of weeks but a persistent health issue has turned into something quite a lot bigger."I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has come as a surprise to me and my family but we know that many others have suffered and dealt with this condition and I don't plan to give up without a fight.

"My doctor is referring me for chemotherapy and hopefully that will start soon."I'd like to thank all the lovely viewers of This Morning who have been concerned about my health recently and I hope I'll be back on the sofa soon."Robertson, from Sunderland and a former Seaham resident, joined ITV's This Morning for its first ever broadcast in 1988. She also has her own advice website, and has written a column for Candis magazine.Presenter Ruth Langsford told viewers: "Some news about one of our own that has all of us at This Morning in a state of shock."After almost 30 years of providing comfort to millions of This Morning viewers, agony aunt Denise Robertson is in need of a lot of love herself today."Her co-host Rylan Clark called on fans to send messages of support, as Robertson - who is not known for being tech-savvy - "does know how toread Facebook comments".He suggested that well-wishers could send messages through the This Morning Facebook page.Robertson lost her first husband Alex Robertson to lung cancer in 1972.In 2006 her stepson, John, also died of cancer, at the age of 44.Within 20 minutes of the announcement, over 2,000 messages of support had been posted under the statement on Twitter.