BBC journalist Rachael Bland has died, her family have announced in a heartbreaking social media post.
Her husband Steve wrote on her Instagram page: “Our brave, beautiful, wonderful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family.
“We are all heartbroken and the hole she leaves in our perfect little family will never be filled.
“To everyone who took an interest in her story over the last two years, downloaded the awe-inspiring You, Me and the Big C podcast or sent her messages of support, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“You’ll never know how much those messages meant to her and us.
“We’ll miss her so very much but we couldn’t be prouder of what she achieved in her 40 years, and we are genuinely comforted by the impact we know she had on so many lives.
“Thank you. Steve and Freddie xxx”
On Monday, the mum of one told her followers she only had days left to live.
The Radio Five Live newsreader was told in May that the breast cancer she had been diagnosed with in November 2016 was incurable.
Referencing Frank Sinatra’s My Way, she wrote: “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 much for all the support I’ve received.
“Au revoir, my friends.”
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 much for all the support I’ve received. Debs and lozz will continue with the #youmebigc podcast. Au revoir my friends. pic.twitter.com/DhMurbqMJz
— Rachael Bland (@Rachael_Hodges) 3 September 2018
Her supporters have rallied to praise her courage.
Oh my goodness @Rachael_Hodges sending you a bomb of love, strength and peace ❤️❤️ In absolute awe of your courage, determination and willingness to fight every single day. Lots of love Xx
— juliette ferrington 🐝 (@juliette_grace) 3 September 2018
Bless you Rachael, you’re such an inspiration – not just for people travelling the same road as you but to others looking for the strength to carry on in whatever endeavours and trials they face. You’re amazing! xx
— Sean Barron (@1968seany) 3 September 2018
Oh Rachael that’s devastating to read. It’s not a tweet I can ‘like’ but not one I can ignore yet there are no words. You are a wonderful lady, your legacy is one of strength and courage. Xxx
— Lucy Mrs ‘Trims’! (@Talkloads) 3 September 2018
Writing for The Telegraph last month, Rachael revealed that she was drafting her memoirs to leave for her two-year-old son, Freddie.
The 40-year-old said she still hadn’t given up all hope, as she’d been trying some pioneering treatments of early phase clinical trials.
She added that she was trying not to think too much about how much time she might have left as she wanted to enjoy every moment she can with her son.
She said: “I have to suppress a lot of the darkest thoughts about Freddie growing up without his mummy around. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the precious times we have left together.
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“We find denial is the best tactic to get through this, and until someone tells us ‘This is the end’, we’ll try, as much as we can, to keep going as normal.”
Speaking about her book for Freddie, she explained: “I feel writing is the best way I can get my personality across to him.
“It contains all the stories and the advice that I would have given Fred over the years, but won’t be around to do in person.”
“I hope he will come back to it through his life and it will resonate in different ways at different stages. Writing it has made me laugh, smile and cry in equal measure.”
I’ve written a piece in the Sunday Telegraph with the latest on me, ‘For Freddie’ and our You, Me & the Big C Podcast relaunch on 16th August. Do have a read💋 #cancer #terminallyfabulous #stage4 #ForFreddie #memoir #youmebigc #bigclittleme https://t.co/DDuG4KMAKf
— Rachael Bland (@Rachael_Hodges) August 12, 2018
Rachael was told by friends who lost their mothers young that they would love to have something like that to turn to so the book will be the “ultimate gift of my love” to her son.
She had been documenting her experience for the podcast You, Me and the Big C