Rachael Bland cancer battle: Hundreds send support to BBC newsreader after she reveals incurable breast cancer aged 40
Hundreds of well-wishers across the UK have sent messages of support to BBC newsreader Rachael Bland after she revealed she has incurable breast cancer at the age of 40.
The presenter announced this week that her hopes now rest on clinical trials following months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In an emotional blog post, she described the moment doctors told her the devastating news over the phone while she was out with her two-year-old son.
"My heart raced as I answered it, knowing a phone call did not bode well,” said the 5Live newsreader.
"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 [my husband] Steve’s heart with the news that my cancer was now metastatic and therefore incurable."
After revealing the news, Bland was immediately flooded with messages of support on social media.
Every single ❤️💛💚💙💜to you, @blandsteve and Freddie. If anyone can do this Rachael, you can. Keep kicking it xx
— Anna Foster (@annaefoster) May 20, 2018
I don’t know you, I listen to your podcast - I couldn’t see your blog & say nothing but nothing I can say is enough - just know you inspire people daily and that if love, prayers, faith and willpower help in any way at all - you’ve got buckets full - sending you & yours love ❤️
— Clarry (@MannersOfMarple) May 20, 2018
“If anyone can do this Rachael, you can. Keep kicking it,” wrote her 5Live colleague Anna Foster.
Matthew Pinsent, an Olympic rowing gold medallist, added that he "loved the blog and all you're doing around this".
Another cancer sufferer, Lee Jones said: “Be strong, confident and keep on doing the living you are doing. You got this and have a world class team and many admirers right behind you. It's going to work out beautifully. Go team Rachael!”
Rachael 🙏 and lots of ❤️and strength to you and @blandsteve You’re an amazing team, best of luck with the new treatment and big respect to the amazing team at The Christie.
— Tara McDermott (@tarajmc) May 20, 2018
Bloody hell Rachael. Sending loads of this: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
— Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) May 20, 2018
Another supporter said: “You are inspirational to me and from what I've read of your blogs and interaction here a truly good person.”
Weather presenter Simon King commented: “So sorry to see this Rachael. Beautifully written blog which just shows the strength and positivity you have always had throughout this. Sending best wishes and prayers to you.”
Sending you thoughts and best wishes. Love the blog and all you're doing around this.
— Matthew Pinsent (@matthewcpinsent) May 20, 2018
You are one awesome lady - loved hearing you on the radio recently on drive with Tony. Keep kicking, sending huge amounts of ❤️💕💜💕❤️ for you, Steve and Freddie xxx
— Jackie Carter (@JaxLadyC) May 20, 2018
Bland, who co-hosts the podcast You, Me and the Big C, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2016.
She will take part in clinical trials for immunotherapy at the Christie NHS cancer treatment centre in Manchester.
In her blog, titled Big C.Little Me, she added: said: "It is a Phase 1b trial so very early in the process and I feel an odd sense of pride that I am one of fewer than 150 people worldwide who will test it.
"If it doesn’t help me then I hope the data I provide will at some point in the future help others in the same position."
She added: "This is the real future of cancer treatment, personalised to the genetics of your tumour which may be totally different to those of someone else with the ‘same’ type of cancer.
"We are waiting and hoping. Whatever greater power you believe in, send us your collective prayers."