Katie Keltie portrayed the younger sister of Holly Valance’s character Felicity on the Australian soap opera Neighbours for five years before leaving acting to pursue a law career.

Kate Keltie has been diagnosed with breast cancer at the stage four level.

From 1999 through 2004, the 36-year-old actress portrayed Michelle Scully, the younger sister of Holly Valance’s character Felicity, on the Australian serial opera.

According to a Go Fund Me page created to assist her, she has recently begun therapy, but her disease has already spread to other parts of her body.

It says: “Our lovely Kate is experiencing the unfathomable.

“She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer in the fourth stage. It has spread to other parts of her body, including her lymph nodes, blood, and hip bones, and is exceedingly aggressive (known as metastatic cancer).

“This week, she begins chemotherapy and the fight of her life”

The campaign, which has donated more than $31,000 (£17,000) in just 10 days, continues: “She will lose her beautiful hair and will be unable to bear children in the future.

This is dreadful news for anyone, but especially for a 36-year-old woman without a family history of breast cancer.

It is stated that the funds will be used to assist Keltie in remaining at home during her treatment, as well as for specialist medical appointments, a wig, and specialty skin products.

Keltie sent an empathetic letter to her supporters: “It is awe-inspiring to know that so many incredible people are on my side.

“Tomorrow, I will begin my first round of chemotherapy, and you have no idea how much your support has altered my mindset going into it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Keltie has also appeared in the Australian children’s television series Thunderstone and the police drama Blue Heelers.

In 2008, she retired from acting and went on to become a legal consultant before joining a recruitment agency.