This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-25757028
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Wolverhampton cancer patient Steve Evans dies | Wolverhampton cancer patient Steve Evans dies |
(35 minutes later) | |
Cancer patient Steve Evans, who won a large following after speaking about his illness on Richard Bacon's BBC Radio 5 Live show, has died aged 52. | |
He was hailed as an "inspirational" figure for his humour and resilience in the face of incurable stomach cancer. | He was hailed as an "inspirational" figure for his humour and resilience in the face of incurable stomach cancer. |
More than 26,000 people - who he called his "extended family" - followed the former Wolverhampton council worker's blog and Twitter updates. | More than 26,000 people - who he called his "extended family" - followed the former Wolverhampton council worker's blog and Twitter updates. |
His daughter Megan announced his death on Thursday morning. | His daughter Megan announced his death on Thursday morning. |
She said her father had passed away peacefully in his sleep. | |
'Felt lucky' | 'Felt lucky' |
Mr Evans came to prominence after he was interviewed by BBC 5 Live's Richard Bacon, who praised him for his positive approach to his illness. | |
After a number of appearances on the DJ's show, he gave a "final" interview with the presenter from his hospital bed at New Cross Hospital, broadcast on Tuesday. | After a number of appearances on the DJ's show, he gave a "final" interview with the presenter from his hospital bed at New Cross Hospital, broadcast on Tuesday. |
Mr Evans spoke of entering the "final phase" of his illness and said he felt lucky to have been able to share his experiences with the public. | |
He said: "Love is all around me and I'm so blessed that I have had so much of it around me." | He said: "Love is all around me and I'm so blessed that I have had so much of it around me." |
The amateur magician also told how he had been touched by support from strangers after he made it a "target" to get through Christmas with his family. | The amateur magician also told how he had been touched by support from strangers after he made it a "target" to get through Christmas with his family. |
He said he felt as though his followers had shared the occasion with him and wife Septina, and daughters Megan, 26 and Lauren, 21. | He said he felt as though his followers had shared the occasion with him and wife Septina, and daughters Megan, 26 and Lauren, 21. |
"I had 45 Christmas cards and 500 messages on Christmas Day, people sending me messages every two and a half minutes at one point." | "I had 45 Christmas cards and 500 messages on Christmas Day, people sending me messages every two and a half minutes at one point." |
After Mr Evans became too weak to use his phone himself, friend John Price tweeted on his behalf. | |
His final message was sent on Monday lunchtime. | His final message was sent on Monday lunchtime. |
'Great friend' | 'Great friend' |
Richard Bacon said Mr Evans used to say he had "pulled him through the door" and helped to open listeners' eyes to the reality of terminal cancer. | |
Speaking to BBC WM's Pete Morgan, the 5 Live presenter said he felt as if he had lost a "great friend". | |
He said Mr Evans's "turn of phrase" and openness about his condition had made him popular with listeners. | |
"I don't think anyone's explained it as well as him or as brilliantly as him and I think that's why people connected with him." | "I don't think anyone's explained it as well as him or as brilliantly as him and I think that's why people connected with him." |
Twitter users took to the site to pay tribute to the keen fisherman and magician. | |
Comedian David Baddiel wrote: "Very sad to hear of the passing of the amazing, funny and magical, in all senses, @steveevans51." | Comedian David Baddiel wrote: "Very sad to hear of the passing of the amazing, funny and magical, in all senses, @steveevans51." |
Radio presenter Dave Vitty wrote: "Steve Evans was an absolute one off. An inspirational man who I was privileged enough to get to know and work with." | |
Mr Evans was first diagnosed with cancer in 2012 when doctors told him he had 12 months to live. | |
He said "second line" cancer drugs had prolonged his life but in November he revealed his decision to stop receiving medication. |