BBC presenter's family pay hugely loving Twitter tribute following her death
BBC presenter Rachael Bland spent the last two years of her life working to help others cope with cancer.
On Wednesday, Bland's family shared a heartbreaking tweet via her account, announcing she'd passed away from breast cancer at age 40.
"Our beautiful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family," they wrote and shared a photo of Bland with her partner, Steve.
"We are crushed but she would want me to thank everyone who took an interest in her story or sent messages of support," wrote Steve. "You'll never know how much they meant to her."
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The news of Bland passing away comes only two days after she shared in a tweet that she only had days left to live.
"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," Bland wrote. "Au revoir my friends."
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In reaction to Bland's announcement, the London Underground posted a moving poem by the artist duo @allontheboard. The poem was a tribute to Bland and her efforts to normalise talking about cancer and death.
"Nothing in life is certain, only we all face a final curtain," reads the sign. "We are inspired by you and as your next adventure begins, please know you have changed the nation’s conversation with you story and inspiration. In every cancer battle it’s always love that wins."
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Bland had been very open about her battle with cancer since her diagnosis in November 2016, sharing her story on her blog Big C Little Me and in the podcast You, Me, and the Big C.
On August 3, Bland shared on Instagram that she had been ruled out of further clinical trials. She added that she wanted to spend the remainder of her time finishing her memoir For Freddie -- a book of life advice for her three-year-old son.
In a blog post in Huffington Post, Bland explained that she had wrapped up presents for her son for him to open every year on his birthday until he turns 21.
"I hope the book and these gifts and notes will leave an imprint of my love behind for the rest of his life," she wrote.
Rest in peace, Rachael.
