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 attracted a large following after he spoke about his illness on BBC Radio 5 Live, has died. 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 dad had passed away peacefully in his sleep. She said her father had passed away peacefully in his sleep.
'Felt lucky''Felt lucky'
Steve, 52, came to prominence after he was interviewed by BBC 5 Live's Richard Bacon, who praised him for his positive approach to his illness. 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.
Steve 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. 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 Steve became too weak to use his phone himself, friend John Price tweeted on his behalf. 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 Steve used to say he had "pulled him through the door" and helped to open listeners' eyes to the reality of terminal cancer. 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 presenter said he felt as if he had lost a "great friend". Speaking to BBC WM's Pete Morgan, the 5 Live presenter said he felt as if he had lost a "great friend".
He said Steve's "turn of phrase" and openness about his condition had made him popular with listeners. 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 Steve, who was a keen fisherman and magician. 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 added: "Steve Evans was an absolute one off. An inspirational man who I was privileged enough to get to know and work with." 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."
Steve was first diagnosed with cancer in 2012 when doctors told him he had 12 months to live. 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 last year he revealed his decision to stop receiving medication. He said "second line" cancer drugs had prolonged his life but in November he revealed his decision to stop receiving medication.