Rachael Bland, BBC presenter and cancer blogger, reveals she has just 'days left to live'

BBC news presenter Rachael Bland has revealed she only has days left to live having been diagnosed with cancer in 2016.

The journalist, who has been at the BBC for more than 15 years, has been widely praised for the You Me and The Big C podcast following her breast cancer treatment. 

But in a statement on Twitter on Monday afternoon, 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. Debs and Lozz will continue with the You Me and The Big C podcast. Au revoir my friends."

Writing in The Telegraph last month, she told how the cancer had spread around multiple lymph nodes in her upper body, into her skin and liver.

She said: "We still had some hope of holding back the tide for a while, but no one survives metastatic breast cancer long term.

"I’ve not asked how long I have left, because I don’t want a number in my head that I’m counting down to. It’s only ever a best guesstimate – but I’ve got less than a year."

Colleagues responded with messages of support for the popular presenter, with Juliette Ferrington writing: "Oh my goodness Rachael, 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," signing off her tweet with two kisses. 

BBC's cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, whose own wife Emma was given the all clear after her breast cancer diagnosis, tweeted his thoughts. 

He said: "And then reality suddenly bites and perspective gained. This is awful. No words, other than love to you and Steve (husband)."

Bland's Radio 5 colleague Richard Bacon also offered support on Twitter, writing: "Days. Devastating. Rachael I know saying I'm thinking of you (and our magnificent time together on air, especially all that late night fun) doesn't change anything.

"But I am and I'm so very sorry. Your podcast has helped change the way people talk about all this. You're wonderful."

Comedian Justin Moorhouse, a regular panelist on BBC shows including 5Live's Fighting Talk, simply wrote: "All the love in the world."

And fellow BBC journalist Jennie Gow wrote: "You have been such an inspiration both before and now and with everything you have done... forever more."

Mark Chapman, one of the BBC's leading sports radio anchors, said: "Oh Rachael. I am so very sorry. What you have done has been amazing and helped so many. Sending so much love to you, Steve and Freddie (son, three)."

Writing for The Telegraph on August 11, she said: "I’m not scared of dying. I only fear for those I leave behind. For my darling Freddie, who’ll be three next month, for Steve and our families.

"Even now, knowing the 'no options left' conversation is coming, I can’t crumble and fall to pieces. 

"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."

Dozens of well-wishers thanked Ms Bland for both her podcast which she hosts alongside Lauren Mahon and Deborah James and her blog, Big C Little Me. 

Financial journalist Steph McGovern was among those singing her praises, and wrote: "Rachael, I am so gutted for you and your family.

"The podcast has clearly helped so many people and you did it with such style, humour and bloody brilliance. Thank you for everything you have done."

Others to offer their support were singer Ronan Keating, BBC's Chris Warburton and Chris Mason,  Olympian Greg Rutherford and a host of listeners going through their own cancer treatment.

You Me and The Big C co-host Deborah James simply wrote: "No words right now - just heartbreak."

•  You, Me and The Big C  is available to download at bbc.co.uk/5live

Twitter reaction to Rachael Bland's announcement