BBC Radio Presenter Rachael Bland has passed away today following a two year battle with cancer. 

The 40-year-old mum-of-one died peacefully at home surrounded by family this morning.

Rachael captured the hearts of many as a cancer blogger, documenting her experience of breast cancer on the podcast You, Me and the Big C.

She was diagnosed with the disease in November 2016 and told her cancer was incurable in May of this year.

 

The Radio 5 Live broadcaster broke the news to her Twitter followers on Monday that she had just days to live.

She wrote on social media: ‘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. ‘Thank you so very very much for all your support I’ve received along the way.”

Rachael announced that her co-hosts Deborah James and Lauren Mahon will continue presenting You, Me and the Big C.

Rachael had been writing a memoir for her three-year-old son Freddie to read when he grows up, as well as wrapping birthday presents for him to open up until his 21st birthday.

The sad news of Rachael’s death was announced this morning by her husband Steve, who posted a statement on Twitter saying:

“Our beautiful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family.

“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.”