BBC Radio presenter Eddie Nestor has confirmed that he will be taking a break from his duties after being diagnosed with cancer, with the broadcaster adding that he was "concentrating on getting stronger".
The presenter, who currently hosts the Drivetime show for BBC Radio London, shared a statement to Instagram on Tuesday (30 June), with the caption on the post reading: "This wasn't a post I ever imagined writing.
"Many of you have been asking where I've been, so I wanted to share what's been happening and more importantly, how you can help. Thank you for taking a moment to read it. It means more than you know."
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The post also contained several images of a statement, with Nestor penning: "Greetings. You may have noticed I've been a little quieter than usual. Well… this wasn't quite the June we’d planned."
The presenter said that he spent Father's Day and his 62nd birthday in hospital. In noting that "life has a funny way of rewriting your diary", Nestor shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
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He shared that he had undergone his first chemotherapy treatment, and praised the "incredible medical team". He also said that he and his family were "hopeful" about a recovery, though he admitted that he didn't "know exactly what the next few months will look like".
"I'll work when I'm able, post when I feel like it and spend the rest of the time concentrating on getting stronger," he added, while praising his family as the "greatest source of strength in [his] life".
He asked followers to send their "prayers, love, encouragement and the occasional laugh" as it was the "only fuel" he needed, before thanking "everyone at the BBC for all [their] love and support".
The Instagram account for BBC Radio London also shared a post, which read: "Our friend and colleague Eddie Nestor has announced that he will be away from Radio London for a period of time while he receives treatment for cancer."
"Everyone at BBC London sends Eddie and his family our love and support," it continued, with the comment section being filled with messages from famous faces such as Olympian Denise Lewis and DJ Ace.
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Sara David, the editor of the station, said in a statement (via BBC News): "Everyone at BBC Radio London, along with his loyal listeners, is sending Eddie and his family our support and best wishes."
Nestor, who was awarded an MBE in 2018, has also had roles in Casualty and Death in Paradise. While he takes time away from his Drivetime show, he will be covered by Jim Davis and other members of the BBC Radio London team.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
