The will of BBC radio star and Live Aid host Andy Kershaw has been revealed following his death at the age of 66 on April 17 this year after a battle with cancer. The two-page document was signed on March 30, just 17 days before his death.
Provision for Beloved Dog Bertie
In his will, Kershaw made a heartbreaking request for his faithful canine companion Bertie. He asked that Bertie go to his solicitor Jayne Brearley, or to a new home of her choosing. He also gave his trustees the power to provide cash for the pet's wellbeing and vet bills "taking into account his age and condition".
His estate was valued at £425,000 after £70,000 in debts and expenses were paid. Alongside securing Bertie's future, he also made provision for his two children, Dolly and Sonny, asking that his possessions be shared between them with his sister, fellow DJ Liz Kershaw, helping with the split.
Executors and Final Wishes
He named his daughter, along with Brearley, who has offices in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, as the executors. The star had only announced his cancer diagnosis in January this year, just months before his death, and revealed he was unable to walk due to his illness.
His diagnosis was confirmed after doctors discovered tumours on his spine in summer 2025. His friend Peter Everett posted on Facebook at the time that the presenter had a "difficult time" recently, in a bid to explain why there had been no new episode of The Andy Kershaw Show since June 2025.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Everett wrote: "Last August, he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk. Since then, he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers."
He also shared a second statement that came directly from Andy. He had said: "I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast. I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant and Dec. That should keep me going for a while." Everett continued by explaining that they were very grateful to the supporters of their podcast and their messages of support were "greatly appreciated".
Andy first came to prominence in 1984, when he was hired to front the BBC flagship rock show, The Old Grey Whistle Test. A year later, he co-presented the BBC's coverage of Live Aid as 1.5 billion global viewers tuned in. He was hired as a successor to legendary DJ John Peel on Radio 1, but his late-night show was axed in 2000 as part of a schedule overhaul.
