BBC Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris has given an update on his battle with stage four prostate cancer, telling fans the disease is ‘gaining traction’.
The legendary radio DJ, better known as ‘Whispering’ Bob, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and is still living with the disease.
In June he announced that ill health had forced him to step down as presenter of his Radio 2 shows, Radio 2 Country and Sounds of the 70s after a 56-year broadcasting career.
Sharing photos from his hospital bed with his 104,000 Instagram followers on Monday, the broadcaster said there have been “some changes in my cancer diagnosis” but that he is enjoying the time, the “precious commodity”, with his loved ones since taking a step back from work.
“It’s been a while since I last posted a health update and I wanted to let you know how I’m doing as there have been some changes in my cancer diagnosis,” he began his post.
‘As regular followers will know, earlier this year I was forced to step back from @bbcradio2 to focus on treatment and rest. I have missed my programs so much, but this space has given me a wonderful summer here at home, enjoying a precious commodity… TIME.”
BBC Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris has given an update on his battle with stage four prostate cancer, telling fans the disease is ‘gaining traction’
In June he announced that ill health had ‘forced’ him to step down as presenter of his Radio 2 shows, Radio 2 Country and Sounds of the 70s after a 56-year broadcasting career (pictured in April)
‘I feel very blessed to have been able to spend beautiful moments with family and friends (some of which I have posted here on Instagram) in the glorious summer sunshine, but during this time my cancer has taken hold.’
Harris continued, assuring his fans that “I’m still feeling great but I’m now at the start of an intensive course of intravenous radiotherapy which we’re sure will keep things at bay.” I should know the outcome pretty soon.”
“It is possible to live successfully with stage four prostate cancer (as demonstrated by the incredible Chris Hoy),” he continued, “and Chris will know as well as anyone that it is a very emotional rollercoaster.”
‘But as you know, I am an extremely positive person and I remain determined to make the most of every day.’
Addressing his followers, he added: “My message to you, if you too are going through a difficult time, is this: NEVER GIVE IN. Fight with all your might to continue.”
‘It’s not always easy. I was in tears when I left the hospital with my son Miles on Friday.”
Harris ended his message by revealing that he continues to work, telling fans: ‘Me and 3bweb have just launched a brand new playlist service on my website and I know I’ll be on stage at my Stand By Me concert with Robert Plant and all my friends at the Royal Albert Hall on December 2nd and beyond, so I’m still working and looking far into the future’.
‘Thank you for all the love and support you send me. Your kind words mean more than you will ever know. And always remember, live each day the best you can and just keep going. You can do this. Sending you the best of my love.”
Harris’ post was met with an outpouring of love from his former BBC colleagues and celeb friends, with Jo Whiley commenting: ‘Love Love Love from me, Steve and the gang to you Bob – you are so amazing and your determination to be positive so inspiring – thank you.’
DJ Gary Davies added: “Bob, you are the best fighter I know. If anyone can do it, you can do it. Great love as always.”
Sharing photos from his hospital bed with his 104,000 Instagram followers on Monday, the broadcaster said there have been ‘some changes to my cancer diagnosis’
Harris’ post was met with an outpouring of love from his former BBC colleagues and celebrity friends, with Jo Whiley commenting: ‘Your determination to be positive is so inspiring’
Amanda Holden wrote ‘Sending huge love darling man’ and Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp said: ‘What a man you are. Thank you for the education you have always given us. You are an inspiration Bob.”
In April, Harris gave a heartbreaking update on his battle with cancer.
He took to Instagram to share a photo and post revealing he was in “excruciating pain” after his cancer spread to his back.
“When I last posted from the hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back,” he wrote at the time.
‘Several scans later we discovered that my prostate cancer had spread to my upper spine… really scary news.
He admitted he was heartbroken when he had to put his career at Radio 2 on hold for weeks after learning his cancer had spread.
“It is incredible to think that my broadcasting career has lasted almost 56 years,” he said in a statement. ‘I’m fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.’
“I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to resign, but I realize that I need to focus on getting back on my feet,” he added.
‘This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to do programs knowing that I can’t give you 100%.
Before stepping back from his shows, Harris had broadcast for the BBC for more than 50 years and was awarded an OBE in 2011 for his services to the broadcaster.
He celebrated his 80th birthday in April, with Radio 2 marking the occasion with a special programme, Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music, which can currently be heard on BBC Sounds.
Joined by Zoe Ball, Bob reflected on key musical milestones, memorable encounters and defining moments from his extraordinary life and career.
