BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris has shared a sad health update with fans, as he told them that his cancer is “taking more of a hold”.
Harris has stage four prostate cancer, which he revealed in April had spread to his upper spine.
After spending decades on the radio, where he was known as “Whispering” Bob and for championing country music, Harris stepped down from hosting his Radio 2 shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country in June due to ill health.
And on Monday, the 80-year-old shared an update on his health with his 100,000 Instagram followers, alongside a picture of himself in his hospital bed.
Explaining that there had been “some changes with my cancer diagnosis”, Harris wrote that while he’d been missing his radio shows, “this space has given me a most beautiful summer here at home, enjoying a most precious commodity… TIME”.
“I feel very blessed to have been able to spend lovely moments with family and friends (some of which I’ve posted here on Instagram) in the glorious summer sunshine, but during this time my cancer has been getting more of a hold,” wrote The Old Grey Whistle Test host.
“I still feel well but I am now at the start of an intensive course of intravenous radiotherapy which we are confident will keep things at bay. I should know the outcome quite soon.”
Pointing to “the incredible” Chris Hoy as proof that “it is possible to live successfully with stage four prostate cancer”, Harris wrote that the experience remained “a very emotional roller coaster”.
“It isn’t always easy. I was in tears when I left the hospital with my son Miles on Friday,” he wrote. “But, as you know, I’m an extremely positive person, and I continue to be determined to continue to get the best out of everyday. My message to you if you too are going through a difficult time is this: NEVER GIVE IN. Fight with all your might to keep going.”
The presenter added that he would be on stage at the Royal Albert Hall on 2 December for a one-off concert dedicated to his life and career.
Stand By Me: Bob Harris – A Celebration Of Life In Music will feature performances from Sir Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller and Robert Plant.
“I am still working and looking way into the future,” he said. “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 every day the best you can and just keep going. You can do this.”
Harris was met with an outpouring of support, with Jo Whiley commenting: “Love Love Love from me, Steve and the gang to you Bob - you are so wonderful and your determination to be positive [and] so inspiring – thank you.”
“Sending lots of love Bob,” wrote Matt Baker. “There’s no chance your diagnosis is affecting that heart of gold.”
Radio 2’s long-standing traffic presenter Sally “Traffic” Boazman added: “We are all wrapping our arms around you with love, dear Bob! And what wise words…”
