Rachael Bland’s husband reveals heartbreaking way BBC presenter spent her final hours before tragic death.
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Rachael Bland passed away just after 3am this morning, Wednesday 5 September, after losing her battle with breast cancer.
Her tragic death comes just two days after she took to social media to say a heartfelt goodbye to her friends and fans.
Now, her husband Steve has revealed that Rachael spent her final hours being comforted by her listeners who sent her loving messages, as he read them to her.
Steve also said that Rachael was “very happy” to hear that her podcast, You, Me And The Big C, had risen to the top of the charts.
Rachael was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2016, and has co-hosted podcast You, Me, and the Big C since – but she emotionally revealed that she has lost her battle and had just days to live this week.
Writing on Twitter on Tuesday 4 September, Steve said: “We did it GIRLSTOLELONDON bowelbabe MikeHolt12 . YouMeBigC is #1 and I promise you Rachael_Hodges is very happy about it.
“While we’re at it, I’m doing my best to read as many of your messages to her as I can. Can’t tell you how much comfort they’re bringing us all. Thank you.”
In a statement following her death, heartbroken Steve paid tribute to his wife as he said: “Rachael’s death has left a huge hole in our perfect little family that we’ll never be able to fill.
“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.
“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.”
He added: “At the end, even though her body was at its weakest, her voice was at its strongest and most powerful.
“Rachael was and will always be an incredible inspiration to everyone she met. To us, she was perfect in every way and we will miss her more than words can say.
“We just ask that everyone respects our family’s privacy as we try and come to terms with losing our beautiful girl.”
Hours later he again took to Twitter to send thanks for the tributes that have poured in for his wife.
