'I keep an eye on my weight. The worst thing for me is wine, so I stick to vodka or gin': Beverley Craven under the microscope


Singer Beverley Craven, 51, answers our health quiz.

What's your  fitness regimen?

Power walking with my 14-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Buddy, twice a day. I swim and go to the gym, and I do exercises in my bedroom. I had developed back problems after having my daughters [now 22, 18 and 17]. I'd had epidurals, which are supposed to have a detrimental effect on backs.

Beverley power walks with her Staffordshire bull terrier, Buddy, twice a day

Beverley power walks with her Staffordshire bull terrier, Buddy, twice a day

Get your five a day?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and became rigorous about eating healthily - most days I had up to ten portions of organic fruit and veg, and I didn't have tea, coffee or hydrogenated fats. I'm now clear from cancer and not so strict. I get the occasional takeaway, and I have dairy and alcohol.

Ever dieted?

No, but I keep an eye on my weight. The worst thing for me is wine, so I stick to vodka or gin with slimline tonic or diet coke. I am 5ft 9in and weigh 10½st, slightly over what I should be. 

Any vices?

I love fudge and my mum makes the best. My other weaknesses are apple crumble and banoffee pie.

Any family ailments?

I believe there is an unidentified breast cancer gene in my family. My cancer hadn't spread so I had radiotherapy daily for a month and a lumpectomy. Sadly, I lost my sister, Kathy, 44, this year through breast and liver cancer. My cousin, Sara, died of breast cancer at 46 and my aunt, Anna, had cancer in both breasts. Losing Kathy made me more determined to get on with life as you never know when your number is up. Due to the suspected gene, my daughters may choose preventative mastectomies after having babies.

She takes hair protein pills from hair specialist Philip Kingsley

She takes hair protein pills from hair specialist Philip Kingsley

Ever have plastic surgery?

Sometimes I look in the mirror and think of having some bits done, especially when my eyes are puffy first thing. Apparently, it's quite straightforward to rectify hooded eyelids. But I wouldn't go for Botox.

Pop any pills?

I take hair protein pills from hair specialist Philip Kingsley. A few years ago, when I washed my hair, there was hair loss. My iron levels were extremely low, and stored iron is needed for hair growth. Within a month of taking iron supplements and protein pills my hair started growing back.

Ever been depressed?

When I was a struggling musician in the Eighties and on the dole, I suffered depression, but I managed to cope by talking to friends and writing songs.

What health book has changed your life? 

The Breast Cancer Prevention And Recovery Diet by Suzannah Olivier. It's informative with some nice recipes. 

Biggest phobia?

Spiders. I have conkers in every corner as they are meant to keep them away. Their legs freak me out.

Like to live for ever?

Definitely not! It would be so lonely watching everyone you love die.

Beverley's album, Change of Heart, is released on September 1, available from Amazon or beverleycraven.com.

Interview by BRIAN CLARIDGE