BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris has shared a heartbreaking update with his fans, revealing that his prostate cancer has now spread to his upper spine. The 80-year-old radio star, affectionately known as "Whispering Bob," described the development as "frightening news" in a social media post.
Cancer Diagnosis and Recent Hospitalisation
Harris was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and had been managing the disease since then. However, earlier this month, he was hospitalised after experiencing severe back pain. Following several scans, doctors discovered that the cancer had metastasised to his upper spine.
Treatment and Recovery
In an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of himself walking with a stick, Harris wrote: "I'm sorry it's been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time. When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back."
He continued: "Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine… really frightening news. So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy - two weeks in hospital in total - to bring things back under control."
Harris shared that he is now back at home and feeling stronger each day. He has started a rehabilitation programme and even ventured outdoors for the first time with his son. "Thankfully I'm back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day. I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son @expiredfilmclub who took the photograph," he said.
Gratitude and Plans to Return
The veteran DJ expressed deep gratitude to his family and the BBC Radio 2 team for their unwavering support. He described this period as one of the most difficult times of his life. "My family has been here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I can't even begin to think of a way to say thank you. I love them so much. Helen Thomas and the @bbcradio2 family have also been supportive beyond words and I know for certain that I'll be returning to my programmes as soon as I am able," he wrote.
Harris has set a personal target to return to his shows by mid-May for Country and the end of May for Sounds of the 70's. He thanked his temporary replacements, Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny, for doing a "fabulous job" in his absence. He also expressed appreciation for the messages of support he received via a conversation with Zoe Ball for his 80th birthday programme.
Fan Support
The announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom are delighted that Harris is on the road to recovery. Earlier this month, when he was first hospitalised, he reassured listeners: "As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments. Although I can't at the moment give an exact date for my return, I know that I will come back… and come back stronger. I hate missing programmes and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can."
