BBC Radio 2 veteran Bob Harris has released an emotional update as he undergoes treatment for prostate cancer, which had spread to his spine. The 80-year-old, who stepped down from the BBC after a mammoth 56 years, announced he was leaving his career in June.
Harris steps back from radio show
Speaking at the time, Bob said: "I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much. I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I'm grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way."
Now, speaking on social media, the former Old Grey Whistle Test host admitted that he has had to adjust to his new pace of life. The country music fan told his fans: "It’s impossible for me to even begin to explain how much I am missing @bbcradio2 going on air and creating programmes for you.
Rediscovering time and gratitude
"I miss my friends, I miss the studios and more than anything, I miss my listeners. But having to step back, after years and years of being busy, I have rediscovered something very special in my life - TIME."Time to spend with my wonderful family and lovely friends (scroll to see multiple previous posts!) Time to be creative and explore new ideas. And time to just sit in the garden with my cats… a time to reflect how fortunate and blessed I am to be still here to enjoy it all."
Bob continued: "I am having to accept that I am a slightly different version of myself now. I don’t have the stamina of before. But my cancer treatment is going well, my belief in positive thinking has been reinforced and I am embracing this opportunity to let time slow down. And, as I posted a couple of days ago, Team Bob is working on an amazing project for later this year! This is a very special moment to appreciate life and the love that surrounds me. Thank you for the days!"
Fans show support
He added a selection of photos of himself with his cats, showing them relaxing together in the garden. Fans flooded the star's comments with messages of support.
The media star previously thanked his fans for their support after his life-changing decision to step down from his radio show. He said: "Hey folks, it's Bob here. And I’ve just hopped on to say a really heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful messages you’ve been sending me."I really don’t know even quite what to say. I’ve been overwhelmed by the love that’s come in over the last three days since I put out the announcement. I’m going to be leaving Radio 2. Radio 2 have been incredible as well."I want to give a special shout out to my family who have rallied around me over these past few weeks and my wife Trudie [Trudie Myerscough-Harris] here at my house, and it’s just been an incredible moment where I can just stop, be still for a moment and take in the world around me."I have found there’s so much love in that world and I just want to say thank you very much for all the messages and everything that you’ve been sending my way I appreciate it more than you will ever know Thank you very much and lots of love from me here".
A look back at his career
Bob looked back on his incredible career when he first decided to step down from the Beeb. He noted how grateful he was to have fronted the Radio 2 Country Show and Sounds Of The 70s amongst others, before ultimately thanking the listeners who had stayed with him.
