A GRANDMA battling for life after three strokes and a brain tumour has been boosted by a message of support from her TV star granddaughter.

And Susie Rugg, alias Brodie Hanson in the Channel 5 soap Home and Away, also sent her uncle Chris a note for the wall of his Friar Rugg's Chippy, in Bridge Street, Darwen.

Susie, 20, last saw her gran in January 2001, when 74-year-old Ethel visited Sydney.

But the actress was concerned after her dad visited Ethel in March and reported back with grave concerns for her health.

So she penned a message on a photo saying: "Dear Nan, hope you get well really soon." It will take pride of place in Ethel's flat in a Bolton nursing home.

Chris said his Aussie-based brother got on well with workers in his chip shop and that's why Susie also sent a note for them.

The note read: "To all the girls at the Friar Rugg's - keep watching and smiling."

Chris's brother emigrated from the Darwen area 32 years ago and set up home in Sydney.

The family he left behind are extremely proud of Susie's achievements. Chris said it was in her blood.

"There is a history of performers in our family," he said, "but she is the first one who has been famous.

"My father was a magician and contortionist, my grandad played in music halls, I used to play in local rock bands and Susie's dad plays in folk clubs in Sydney.

"We try to watch the soap whenever we can. She started off with a minor role when it moved to Channel 5, but she has now progressed."

"My brother came over to see Mum in March with things from Susie and after that she started eating food again."

He said Susie had been involved in a youth theatre in Sydney since she was aged seven.

She put plans to go to university on hold when she won the role of Brodie after appearing in several Australian television adverts.

The Brodie character is a 16-year-old who suffers from a lack of care from her abusive mother and is struggling to work out where she is heading in life.