Radio legend 'Whispering' Bob Harris has told fans he has started intensive radiotherapy, saying his cancer has been “getting more of a hold” on him. The 80-year-old broadcaster shared the update in a message to followers on Instagram, alongside a picture of himself in bed.
Cancer spread and treatment
Harris has prostate cancer and in April revealed it had spread to his upper spine. In June he stepped down from hosting his Radio 2 shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country to focus on treatment and his recovery.
The presenter, whose broadcasting career spans almost 56 years, has held roles on Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music, and fronted the award-winning BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s.
Message to fans
In his Instagram post, Harris wrote: “I have been missing my programmes so much, but 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.
“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.
“It’s a very emotional roller coaster. 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.”
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 keep going. It isn’t always easy. I was in tears when I left the hospital with my son Miles on Friday.”
Looking to the future
Harris explained he would be onstage at his Stand By Me concert with his old friend Robert Plant in December, saying “I am still working and looking way into the future”.
He added: “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.”
Bob, who has eight children by four different partners, lives in Steventon, Oxfordshire, with his wife and manager Trudie Myersough-Harris, 61. He was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to music broadcasting.
