BBC Radio 5 Live News presenter Rachael Bland (pictured on the left above) told fans she will die soon from her incurable cancer in a heartbreaking social media post.
The 40-year-old journalist, who presents the You, Me and the Big C podcast, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2016.
Rachael was told in May of this year that her breast cancer was incurable and she said her hopes rested with a clinical trial.
But two months later, a scan revealed her cancer had spread further.
In an emotional post on Twitter, Rachael told her 30,000 followers: ‘In the words of the legendary Frank S – I’m afraid the time has come my friends.
‘And suddenly. I’m told I’ve only got days. It’s very surreal.’
Adding that the podcast would continue with co-hosts Deborah James and Lauren Mahon after her death, Rachael said: ‘Thank you so much for all the support I’ve received. Debs and lozz will continue with the #youmebigc podcast.
‘Au revoir my friends.’
Thousands of people, including Rachael’s colleagues have expressed their sadness on social media.
Former BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Richard Bacon tweeted a heartfelt message to Rachael thanking her for changing the way people talk about cancer.
‘Days. Devastating,’ Richard wrote on Twitter. ‘Rachael I know saying I’m thinking of you (and our magnificent time together on air, especially all that late night fun) doesn’t change anything.
‘But I am and I’m so very sorry. Your podcast has helped change the way people talk about all this. You’re wonderful.’
Over 4,000 of Rachael's fans have also sent their love, with one commenting: ‘I don’t know you but I want to say you have touched so many people and helped all of them. Some people live a 100 years without having half the impact you have made on the world. I hope everyone you love is with you right now. X’
‘I’ve never met you Rachael, and never will,’ wrote another. ‘If the purpose of our time on earth is to make a difference and leave it a better place than when we were born, you’ve certainly done that #inspiration to the end.’
Last month, Rachael said she was in a ‘race against time’ to publish a memoir for her two-year-old son Freddie.
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Rachael said: ‘I’ve got less than a year,’ but she wasn’t afraid of dying.
‘I’m not scared of dying. I only fear for those I leave behind. For my darling Freddie, who’ll be three next month, for Steve and our families.
‘Even now, knowing the ‘no options left’ conversation is coming, I can’t crumble and fall to pieces.’
She added that her book would contain ‘all the stories and advice I would have given Fred…but won’t be around to do in person.’
Our thoughts are with Rachael and her family at this difficult time.
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