Lisa Faulkner has shared a deeply touching birthday tribute to her husband John Torode, revealing just how important his love and support have been during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

The 54-year-old actress and TV cook celebrated John’s 61st birthday with a heartfelt message describing him as the “kindest man” with the “gentlest, biggest heart” — while admitting she does not know how she would have coped with her recent breast cancer diagnosis without him by her side.

Sharing a sweet selfie of the couple cuddled closely together, Lisa reflected on the difficult months they have faced as a family.

“What a year it’s been, but we held each other’s hands and I couldn’t have got through these past few months without you by my side,” she wrote.

The emotional words offered a moving glimpse into the couple’s relationship at a time when Lisa has been recovering from surgery and preparing for the next stage of her treatment.

“You make my heart thump”

Lisa began her birthday message with a loving tribute to the man she calls both her husband and her best friend.

“Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband,” she wrote, before expressing her hope that John would enjoy a special day surrounded by the simple things they love most.

But it was her description of John’s character that made the message particularly poignant.

“You are the kindest man with the gentlest, biggest heart and you make my heart thump,” Lisa wrote.

She ended the tribute with an intimate glimpse of their life together, saying she was looking forward to sharing a birthday coffee with him in their favourite spot in the garden.

“I love you my Johno,” she added, sweetly noting that their beloved dog Rory loves him too.

The message comes at an especially emotional time for the couple following Lisa’s revelation that she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

John has been by her side throughout her cancer battle

Lisa has spoken openly about the crucial role John has played since her diagnosis, describing him not only as her husband but also as her nurse, best friend and source of strength.

In another emotional social media post, she shared a photograph of John relaxing outside and admitted she could barely imagine navigating the experience without him.

“I don’t know how I would have coped without this one,” she wrote.

Calling John a “wonderful nurse and best friend”, Lisa thanked him for “holding me up” during the difficult weeks surrounding her diagnosis and surgery.

Her words painted a powerful picture of a marriage strengthened by adversity, with John quietly standing beside her through hospital appointments, recovery and the emotional uncertainty that inevitably accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

For Lisa, his presence appears to have provided a sense of stability during a frightening chapter.

Lisa reveals surgery successfully removed the cancer

Lisa recently revealed that she had undergone surgery after doctors detected breast cancer at an early stage.

Explaining why she had been unusually quiet on social media, she told followers that she had needed a significant operation.

“I have had to have surgery for the early stages of breast cancer,” she explained.

Despite the frightening diagnosis, Lisa was able to share encouraging news following the procedure.

Her results showed that doctors had successfully removed the cancer, and she said she had been told that everything was now clear.

Lisa explained that she still needs to undergo a course of radiotherapy in the coming weeks as part of her treatment plan, but said she was recovering well and feeling increasingly positive.

“I’ve got a bit of healing to do but I’m good,” she reassured followers. “I’m well and feeling so much better.”

The update brought relief to fans who had flooded her social media pages with messages of love and support.

A mammogram that may have changed everything

Lisa has also used her experience to deliver an important message about breast screening.

She revealed that the cancer was discovered following a mammogram — something she now feels profoundly grateful she attended.

Without that screening, Lisa said, the cancer might not have been detected when it was.

Her experience has prompted her to urge other women not to delay their own appointments.

“Don’t put them off, go,” she encouraged followers, explaining that her cancer was found because she attended her mammogram.

Lisa also expressed her gratitude to the NHS and the medical professionals responsible for detecting and treating the disease at an early stage.

Her message was simple but powerful: early detection can make an enormous difference.

Overwhelmed by support from fans

Following the announcement of her diagnosis, Lisa received an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and followers.

In a subsequent message, she admitted she had been deeply moved by the response.

“Thank you for all of your support and your lovely messages,” she wrote, promising that she intended to read every message sent to her.

She also acknowledged how many people had shared their own experiences of cancer, whether personally or through someone close to them.

“So many of you [are] going through this or know someone who is,” she said.

“Your love and kindness has really touched me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The response appeared to remind Lisa that she was far from alone in what she was facing.

A love story that began on television

Lisa and John’s relationship stretches back more than a decade.

The pair first met when Lisa appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, where John was one of the programme’s best-known faces.

Their friendship later developed into romance, and the couple eventually married in October 2019.

Over the years, they have frequently shared glimpses of their life together — from cooking and travelling to quiet moments at home with their family and pets.

But Lisa’s recent health battle has revealed another, more private side of their relationship.

Behind the smiling photographs and television appearances is a partnership that has been tested by frightening circumstances — and one that Lisa says has helped carry her through.

Her birthday tribute was therefore about far more than celebrating John turning 61.

It was also a public thank-you to the person who has stood beside her when she needed him most.

“We held each other’s hands”

Perhaps the most powerful line in Lisa’s message was also one of the simplest.

“We held each other’s hands.”

Those words captured the spirit of what the couple have experienced together over recent months.

From receiving an unexpected diagnosis to undergoing surgery and preparing for radiotherapy, Lisa has faced a period filled with uncertainty.

Yet throughout it all, she says John has remained firmly at her side.

Now, as she continues to heal and prepares for the next stage of treatment, the couple are finding comfort in life’s quieter moments — including something as simple as sharing a birthday coffee together in their favourite garden spot.

For Lisa, this year’s birthday message to her husband carried a deeper meaning than most.

It was a celebration of John’s birthday, but also of companionship, resilience and the person she credits with helping her through one of the toughest chapters of her life.

“I couldn’t have got through these past few months without you by my side,” she wrote.

And after everything they have faced together, those words may be the most meaningful birthday gift of all.