Pic:The presenter Rachael Bland has died aged 40 (Instagram )
Staff reporter(wp/es):
BBC news presenter Rachael Bland has died aged 40 following a battle with incurable breast cancer.
A post on Bland's official Twitter account from husband Steve and son Freddie, three, said: "Our beautiful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family.
"We are crushed but she would want me to thank everyone who took an interest in her story or sent messages of support. You'll never know how much they meant to her.
The mother-of-one revealed on Monday she had just days to live following her diagnosis in November 2016.
The 40-year-old presenter quoted Frank Sinatra as she said on Twitter on Monday: “In the words of the legendary Frank S – I’m afraid the time has come my friends.
"And suddenly. I’m told I’ve only got days. It’s very surreal. Thank you so much for all the support I’ve received.
"Debs and lozz will continue with the #youmebigc podcast. Au revoir my friends.”
Two days after sharing the heartbreaking news, the presenter's cancer battle podcast topped the charts.
The BBC Radio 5 Live presenter also documented her journey on her blog Big C Little Me.
She said that sharing her journey had been incredibly "cathartic."
In an article in the Huffington Post, Ms Bland revealed that she had almost finished her memoir and had wrapped presents for her son to open on every birthday until he is 21.
The BBC and her former colleagues have paid tribute to her online.
BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: “Rachael was a popular and inspiring journalist. Everyone has been moved by her courage and dignity.
"She will be hugely missed by her many listeners and by staff across the BBC. Our sympathies go out to her family and many friends at this difficult time.”
Laura Bicker wrote: "Rachael Bland was a voice we all needed to hear. Bright, funny, feisty. She allowed us to have a frank conversation about cancer with those closest to us. Sending all my love to her family right now."
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