Rachel Bland, the newsreader who moved hearts around the world after revealing she only had ‘days to live’, has died.
The BBC presenter was aged 40.
The news was confirmed on Twitter on September 5, in a post by Rachel’s loving family.
‘Our beautiful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family,’ the post read.
‘We are crushed but she would want me to thank everyone who took an interest in her story or sent messages of support. You’ll never know how much they meant to her. Steve and Freddie xxx’
In a poignant statement, Rachael’s husband, Steve, paid tribute to his wife, who leaves behind their two-year-old son, Freddie.
‘She was an incredibly talented broadcaster as well as a wonderful and much loved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, wife and, most importantly to her, a mother to her precious little Freddie,’ he said.
‘We all take such huge comfort and pride from the amazing and tireless work she has done since her diagnosis to reduce the stigma around cancer and prove that it is possible to live life to the fullest even when facing huge challenges on a daily basis,’ the loving husband went on.
‘At the end, even though her body was at its weakest, her voice was at its strongest and most powerful.’
Rachel – who was suffering from breast cancer which had become terminal – moved the world when she farewelled her family, friends and supporters on Instagram and Twitter.
‘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,’ the brave mother wrote.
‘Thank you so much for all the support I’ve received. Debs and lozz will continue with the #youmebigc podcast. Au revoir my friends.”’
Rachel had been sharing her fight against cancer in a podcast called You, Me And The Big C.
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