Beloved Radio 2 vicar, Reverend Ruth Scott, has died at the age of 60.
The BBC station confirmed the sad news on Twitter.
“Reverend Ruth Scott was much loved amongst the Radio 2 family,” it reads.
“Working with both Sir Terry Wogan and Chris Evans, her Pause for Thought reflections were enjoyed by millions of listeners to the Breakfast Show over the years.
“Our thoughts are with Ruth’s family at this sad time.”
Reverend Ruth Scott was much loved amongst the Radio 2 family. Working with both Sir Terry Wogan and Chris Evans, her Pause for Thought reflections were enjoyed by millions of listeners to the Breakfast Show over the years. Our thoughts are with Ruth’s family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/oeLe5zvPmA
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) 22 February 2019
Just over a week ago, Ruth opened spoke to Chris on his Virgin Radio show about being terminally ill.
The interview was hailed by listeners as being “deeply moving” and “beautiful”.
From her hospital bed, the former missionary admitted she wishes she had longer.
Radio veteran Chris introduced the chat by telling listeners: “We recorded at her bedside at Southampton General Hospital last week. Ruth is undergoing end of life care.”
Ruth warned Chris, 52 – who she has known for ten years: “I might not be coherent… Essentially, I’m in the process of dying.”
The mum-of-two spoke calmly about her cancer, telling listeners that she’s spending her remaining weeks with loved ones.
Ruth was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago, and has been receiving treatment. She told Chris: “We just found out it didn’t work.
“I’ve just got a few weeks to live. Probably two or three weeks at most. So, we’re in the middle of saying goodbyes with the family and thinking about what it is to be separating from one another.”
She added: “It feels very weird on one level, but it feels very natural on another.
“I’ve had the most fantastic life, Chris. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but I would’ve liked it to be a bit longer if possible. That’s not going to happen, so I’ve got to accept the fact that I’m dying, and I want to die as naturally as possible.
“I want to embrace dying, and be surrounded by the people I love.”
The reverend praised the “fantastic team” working on her medical care, and said she isn’t frightened.
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Listeners were stunned by the moving conversation, with one fan tweeting: “One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever heard on the radio… Today’s Chris Evans’ int. w/ Rev Ruth Scott. So deeply moving, generous, compassionate, inspiring. Rev Ruth gives us such a gracious lesson about life & the acceptance of death as part of it.”
Another commented: “@achrisevans @VirginRadioUK What a beautiful interview with the Rev Ruth Scott #Humbled.”
A third added: “A tearful, but very powerful listen this morning on @VirginRadioUK with Rev. Ruth and @achrisevans 💕.” While one more said: “Incredible piece of radio this morning with Chris Evans @VirginRadioUK speaking with Reverend Ruth Scott, who only has a few weeks to live. Rev Ruth was a huge part of Pause for Thought with Sir Terry & Chris. Incredibly moving. God bless.”
An incredible lady. Leave your tributes on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.