Sue Baker has died after battling motor neurone disease.
The news of her passing was announced by Baker’s family. In a statement, they shared: “It is with great sadness, that we share the news of Sue’s passing. A doting mother to Ian [and] Hannah, a loving grandmother to Tom [and] George, and a wonderful mother-in-law to Lucy. She passed at home this morning with family around her.
“She was a talented [and] prolific writer, a charismatic TV presenter, and a passionate animal lover. She had a life and career that many would envy, but did it all with such grace that she was admired and respected by all who knew her. We know she meant so much to so many.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported her over the last few years as she battled with [motor neurone disease].”
Who was Sue Baker?
Following her years as a motoring and motorsport reporter, Sue Baker made a name for herself in the worlds of motoring and broadcasting as one of the original presenters of BBC’s Top Gear.
She appeared on more than 100 episodes of the beloved car show over an 11-year period, becoming a trailblazer for women in motoring.
Upon her passing, Top Gear released an official statement, saying: “The entire Top Gear programme are very saddened to hear about Sue. She was an exceptional motoring journalist and a much-loved former presenter of the show. Our thoughts are with Sue’s family and friends at this time.”
After leaving the television series in 1991, she continued her career as a motoring journalist, being instrumental in the creation and running of the Motor Racing News Service.
She was the Observer’s motoring editor for 13 years, before joining Saga magazine, where she stayed for a decade.
From being WeLoveAnyCar’s managing director to WeBuyAnyCar.com’s car reviewer, Baker spent decade after decade contributing to the industry.
Baker was the vice president and former chair of the Guild of Motoring Writers, too. So, when the news of her passing came out, they issued a statement, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn our vice-president and former chair [Sue Baker], passed away this morning following a long illness.
“Sue was a pioneer for women in automotive journalism and a former presenter of [Top Gear]. A full tribute will be published later.”
