Carol Vorderman reveals that her mother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer

Carol Vorderman has shared the heartbreaking news that her mother Jean has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The former Countdown star revealed her 88-year-old mother Jean's prognosis on Mother's Day, penning a tweet to inform her 377,000 followers of her condition.

'A precious Mother's Day x This wk Mum & I found out she has terminal cancer.She's 88,beautiful inside and out & I love her beyond measure x' she wrote.

Carol, 56, also shared a picture of the family celebrating the occasion together, adding: 'Mum's lunch with all her children, all her grandchildren and her gorgeous great grandchild Alex.Lots of laughing x'

She later opened up to the Mirror about how she had been coping since the sad announcement, saying of her mother: 'I love her beyond measure. We are laughing so much and she is having a lovely time. She refuses to let us be sad so we are taking our lead from her.'

Meanwhile Jean herself, who has battled cancer three times previously, told the paper that she won't be undergoing any treatment: 'At my age I don't want to undergo any further operations or chemotherapy treatment which can't cure these new cancers anyway,' she said.

'Now my family and me will concentrate on being happy and celebrating the time we have together. I'm refusing to let them be sad.'

Fans have been quick to share their well wishes with the Vordermans, with many saying that they spoke from family experience with their sympathies.

'Know from ongoing family exp. this will be v. difficult time. Can only offer sincerest sympathy, and wish minimal suffering,' one commented, whilst another tweeted: 'So very sorry. My Mum died 26 yrs ago and it still hurts. Treasure her while you can.'

'so sorry to hear that,' a third messaged. 'It always comes across how close you are. Try to make today the best one ever. X'