Sarah Beeny Reflects on Her Marriage After Breast Cancer Battle
In a candid interview, TV presenter Sarah Beeny, 51, has opened up about the state of her marriage to artist Graham Swift, 50, following her breast cancer battle. Beeny was given the all-clear in April 2023 and recently released a documentary, “Sarah Beeny vs. Cancer,” which chronicles her journey, including her double mastectomy.
Sarah also revealed she discussed their issues with her older brother Diccon, who offered some direct but fair advice, urging her to reconcile with her husband.
The couple, who share four children, sons Billy, 18, Charlie, 16, Rafferty, 14, and Laurie, 12, have faced challenges, and Beeny acknowledged that their marriage is currently “hanging on by our fingernails.” She candidly expressed that it has not been easy for them, and Graham, who initially said they should leave if they ever had to work at their marriage, found himself reevaluating the situation.
In her conversation on The Mid. Point podcast with Gabby Logan, Sarah shared her perspective, saying, “I was being particularly horrible, and he said, ‘You know the thing is Sarah, you’re not prepared to leave and have your children half the time, and neither am I, so we’re going to stay together.'”
She recounted the discussion where Graham presented her with the choice: “We’re going to stay together happily or unhappily, so which would you like it to be?” Sarah opted for happiness, to which Graham responded, “What a good idea. Maybe you should be a bit nicer.” This, she said, brought a logical resolution to their situation.
Sarah also revealed she discussed their issues with her older brother Diccon, who offered some direct but fair advice, urging her to reconcile with her husband.
The couple, who married in 2002 after meeting on a blind date when Sarah was just 18, have a unique approach to their relationship. In the past, Beeny stated that they’ve never told each other “I love you” because they consider their bond to be distinct from conventional relationships.
Graham, who has enjoyed a successful career as an artist, has explored self-portraiture in recent years and is known for his fascination with the human form.
Sarah also discussed her new book, “The Simple Life: How I Found Home,” mentioning that she initially wanted to omit her battle with cancer from the book. She didn’t want cancer to become the defining aspect of her life. Nevertheless, her publishers insisted on including it, and she ultimately dedicated one chapter to her cancer journey.
Sarah’s recent breast cancer diagnosis led her to undergo gene testing, which revealed a gene mutation that increased her risk of the disease. The results reinforced her decision to have a double mastectomy and, in the future, to have her ovaries removed due to the increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with the gene mutation. She has shared this information with her family, and some of them have undergone testing as well.
Despite the challenges, Sarah Beeny remains grateful for the support she has received and the treatment she has undergone. She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and encouraged others to seek medical help promptly, noting that treatment has advanced significantly compared to the past.
Sarah’s journey through cancer has changed her perspective, and she feels more resilient in the face of challenges. She hopes to be defined by more than just her battle with cancer and is optimistic about the future.
