‘I shared my heartbreaking diagnosis on Race Across The World – here’s what happened next’-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Betty opened up about being diagnosed with MRKH on Race Across The World (Picture: BBC)

Race Across The World contestant Betty has admitted she was torn about revealing a health condition that left her ‘without a womb’ with millions of viewers.

The 25-year-old, who is competing in the BBC show with brother James, said she was in ‘two minds’ about discussing her diagnosis of MRKH, a rare congenital condition that affects the female reproductive system.

But now any fears she had about speaking out have been assuaged, she told Metro.co.uk ahead of the final, because of the response she’s had from fans of the show – and an unexpected friendship.

‘It’s been overwhelming but in the best way possible,’ the social media and events manager – who said she had been sent hundreds of messages after last week’s episode – revealed.

‘I’ve had stories from girls who have been diagnosed with the same condition, and it has been incredible to hear them and that I’ve helped someone out there.’

The outpouring of support she has received has only been matched by her brother James’s reaction to her openness. In what has been branded the ‘most touching’ TV moment of the year, he became overwhelmed with emotion over his sister’s bravery and asked the camera operator for a hug.

James became emotional after Betty spoke so bravely about her condition (Picture: BBC)

Viewers were in pieces when he asked the camera operator for a hug (Picture: BBC)

Viewers will be thrilled that, yes, James is still in touch with the crew member. He told Metro.co.uk they exchange text messages and have plans to meet up.

‘I will always be thankful to him as it’s a job to make our journey so special,’ James said. ‘He got a lot of praise as well as he deserves. He actually went out to Australia but we’ve spoken about meeting up once he returns.’

However, Betty very nearly didn’t open up about MRKH. She had serious reservations about discussing – and naming – the condition initially.

She said: ‘I was in two minds about naming the condition. In the end, decided to do it to raise that awareness because at 16 when I was diagnosed, I’d never heard of it before and in 10 years I’ve never known anyone personally that has it.

Betty said she was ‘so nervous’ about speaking about MRKH (Picture: Studio Lambert)

Betty said she ultimately wanted to raise awareness of the condition (Picture: Studio Lambert)

‘So I think if someone out there could just say, “Right, well, Betty from Race Across The World has got this thing that I’ve got,” it’s quite a powerful thing.

Betty continued: ‘I was so nervous to do it, so nervous to say it, and then even after filming and coming home I was like, “Oh god, this thing’s gonna come out.” But now it is out, I could not be happier.’

The TV star also said on the show that the condition contributed to feelings of not knowing what her ‘purpose’ in the world is. Now, though, that has changed.

She said: ‘Receiving these positive messages and knowing that I’ve helped people is starting to build up [a sense of purpose] a little bit, which is nice and rewarding.

Betty said the show had helped her refine her ‘purpose’ in life (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Pete Dadds)

‘I would not have expected when getting my diagnosis at 16 that 10 years later, I’d be helping people but definitely want to keep doing that. I want to keep advocating for people who feel a little lost.’

James, meanwhile, said his whole ‘mindset’ was different after racing from Japan to Lombok on the show.

He said: ‘Ive learned the fact that independence can really suit me, and I’ve now moved out of home. That’s quite a big step – so things have changed quite drastically since that finisher.’

But being on a prime-time hit TV show hasn’t totally changed Betty and James. As for how they would spend the £20,000 cash prize if they were to win Race Across The World, their answer is very down to earth – a washing machine for Betty’s home.

Race Across The World concludes tonight at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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