Love Island 2021: Sharon Gaffka battled heartache when her mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer

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Love Island beauty queen Sharon Gaffka battled a secret heartache almost ten years ago after her mother Linda was diagnosed with cancer.

Sharon, 25 – who won Miss International UK in 2018 – was devastated when her mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer which spread to her liver.

Sharon, who is among the first confirmed islanders for the 2021 series, raised money for cancer charities following Linda’s diagnosis and has hailed her mum as her ‘inspiration’.

Brave: Love Island beauty queen Sharon Gaffka, 25, battled a secret heartache almost ten years ago after her mother Linda was diagnosed with cancer

Sad: Sharon – who won Miss International UK in 2018 – was devastated when her mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer which spread to her liver (pictured: her mother in hospital in 2012)

The soon-to-be TV star said of the illness in 2013: ‘She got bowel cancer which spread to her liver.’

The beauty queen added: ‘But she has had all her surgery now and got the all-clear on November 1.’

Sharon posted a picture of her mum in December 2012 during her treatment in John Radcliffe hospital alongside her dad Robert on Instagram, writing at the time: ‘My hero. Cancer survivor.’

It follows reports that Sharon will not be following Zara Holland’s lead and having sex in the villa.

Fundraising: Sharon raised money for cancer charities following Linda’s diagnosis and has hailed her mum as her ‘inspiration’ (pictured with her mum)

Staying strong: The soon-to-be TV star said of the illness in 2013: ‘She got bowel cancer which spread to her liver’

Zara, 25, was famously stripped of her Miss Great Britain title in 2016 after she had romped with fellow islander Alex Bowen during series two.

But friends of Sharon claim there’s ‘zero chance’ of her getting frisky between the sheets and will instead focus her time on championing women’s rights.

A source told The Sun that Sharon is big on politics and equal rights for women and will take ‘everyone by surprise’ when she enters the Mallorcan abode later this month.

Not for me: Love Island beauty queen will not be following Zara Holland’s lead and having sex in the villa, it’s been reported

They said: ‘Sharon is intensely political and a big campaigner around equality and women’s rights.

‘She’s always talked of wanting to work in politics so is likely to use her platform on the show to talk about issues which she feels passionately about.’

The pal went on to say that Sharon will ‘surprise’ everyone on the show, adding: ‘She’s a real crusader and has a lot in life she wants to achieve.’

Ooh I say! Zara, 25, was famously stripped of her Miss Great Britain title in 2016 after she had romped with fellow islander Alex Bowen in series two

MailOnline have contacted Love Island representatives for comment.

The beauty is also an ambassador for The Young Women’s Trust, which is a feminist organisation which strives to achieve economic justice for young women.

Sharon also calls herself a ‘future lawyer’ on her social media and has a law degree from the University of London under her belt, while she also speaks two languages, Indonesian and French.

Oh dear: Zara (right) was controversially de-crowned of her Miss Great Britain title after romping with Alex Bowen on the reality show in 2016 (Sharon pictured left)

No way: Friends of Sharon claim there’s ‘zero chance’ of her getting frisky between the sheets and will instead focus her time on championing women’s rights

The pandemic resulted in last year’s summer series being postponed and fans are eagerly awaiting the new series following the ITV2 juggernaut’s extended break.

It’s rumoured the British series may experience a crossover with its US counterpart, as both are being filmed at the same time, but bosses have yet to confirm the audacious move to ensure plot surprises are kept under-wraps.

Renovations: Meanwhile, ahead of the new series, pictures show work being undertaken at the luxurious villa where the islanders will be staying

Work: With the villa set to welcome new inhabitants in a number of days, major work appears to have taken place, including what appears to be an extension on the main villa

Soon to be occupied: The famous Love Island abode is awaiting the latest crop of sexy singletons

Meanwhile, ahead of the new series, pictures show work being undertaken at the luxurious villa where the islanders will be staying.

With the villa set to welcome new inhabitants in a number of days, major work appears to have taken place, including what appears to be an extension on the main villa.

Love Island begins Monday 28th June at 9pm on ITV2 and the ITV Hub.