BBC newsreader Rachael Bland, 40, reveals she has just ‘days to live’ after breast cancer becomes incurable
BBC newsreader Rachael Bland, 40, today revealed she has just "days to live" after doctors dealt the crushing blow that her breast cancer is incurable.
Writing on Twitter, the 5 Live broadcaster said: "In the words of the legendary Frank S - I’m afraid the time has come my friends.
Signing off her final post with an "Au revoir", followed by two kisses, Rachael said Deborah and Lauren would continue their inspirational podcast.
The second series of You, Me And The Big C launched just weeks ago, with the trio sharing their brutally honest view of what life with cancer is really like.
Rachael revealed she was in a "race against time" in July, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2016.
But, in May this year, she was told her cancer was incurable and her only hopes rested with a clinical trial, to buy her more time with husband Steve and their son, Freddie, three.
Two months later a scan showed her cancer had spread, leaving doctors with few options.
The devoted mum has spent the last few months writing a memoir for Freddie, giving her the chance to say all those things she might miss out on saying as he grows up.
Writing on her blog previously, the presenter told how she was with her two-year-old son Freddie and his friends at an ice cream farm when she was told the cancer was terminal.
She said: "My heart raced as I answered it, knowing a phone call did not bode well.
"Then came the words 'I am so sorry, it's bad news. The biopsies have come back showing the same cancer is back and is in the skin'.
"I watched my little Freddie innocently playing away in a tyre in the barn and my heart broke for him.
"I scooped him up and dashed home and then had to break (her husband) Steve's heart with the news that my cancer was now metastatic and therefore incurable."
The Sun's Deborah James, who has stage 4 bowel cancer, shared her heartbreak, as hundreds responded to Rachael's message.
Deborah said: "Right now, I have few words.
"Rachael, I love you and I'm so proud to call you my friend."
And harnessing the spirit of her friend, Deborah made a plea to fans of You, Me And The Big C.
She said: "Right now, all I ask is that you go and do something that makes you feel alive.
"That reminds you how lucky you are just to wake up and breathe.
"Cancer can go f*** itself."
Co-presenter Lauren, who is in remission from breast cancer, tweeted: "Could not be more grateful to have you in my life.
"So proud of you my fabulous friend.
"Love you more than words can say. We've got you bubba."
Fellow BBC presenter Mark Chapman added: "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."
And Victoria Derbyshire, who has also faced breast cancer, added: "Bloody hell Rachael. Courage, grace, laughter - that's you. You are amazing x."
BBC Live breakfast presenter Nicky Campbell's tweet echoed the thoughts of hundreds.
He said: "You are an astonishing human being. Love to all x."
Charities including Breast Cancer Care, Bowel Cancer UK and The Eve Appeal added their messages, sending love to Rachael and her family.