@bigclittleme/InstagramBBC presenter Rachael Bland has died, just two days after saying ‘goodbye’ to fans on social media.
The 40-year-old revealed on Twitter on Monday (September 3), she’d been informed she had ‘just days to live’, after her breast cancer became incurable.
Rachael was diagnosed with the disease back in November, 2016.
Rachael thanked everyone for her support, and said goodbye to her fans, writing:
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. [sic]
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) September 3, 2018
Rachael’s husband, Steve, shared the heartbreaking news on social media this morning, (September 5).
He wrote on Instagram:
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.
Rachael documented her experience with cancer, co-hosting a podcast called You, Me and the Big C. She also wrote about the disease on an award-winning blog, Big C, Little Me.
The mum-of-one presented the podcast with two other women, Lauren Mahon and Deborah James. Together they spoke about hair loss, dealing with finances, and telling friends and family.
In an article for the Huffington Post, Rachael wrote about how sharing her experiences with cancer helped her through the challenging times.
She wrote:
The whole sharing process has been very cathartic. It’s been a real support to know that people have found them so helpful through their treatment, but in a selfish way they’ve helped me just as much.
When I was eventually ready to talk about my diagnosis, as I recalled those feelings of devastation I found myself crying on the podcast for the first time.
In return I received such an outpouring of love and grief from family, friends, acquaintances and strangers alike it was quite overwhelming.
Rachael added how tough the thought of leaving her family was.
She explained:
If I were to release all my feelings about leaving my precious, beautiful Freddie behind, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the rest of my time on this earth.
So I tuck them away, graciously accept every little hug, squeeze, cuddle and utterance of “I love you so much, mummy” and try not to let him see it break my heart.
Our thoughts are with Rachael’s friends and family at this difficult time.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 8pm).
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.