Lauren Laverne’s heart wrenching words about cancer and ‘living in the moment’ revealed in BBC radio interview
LAUREN Laverne’s touching thoughts about cancer and “living in the moment” have been unearthed in an old BBC radio interview.
The Desert Island Discs star, 46, revealed she has cancer in an Instagram post from her hospital bed.
She explained she had been diagnosed but it was thankfully caught early – and it is expected she will make a “full recovery”.
The BBC presenter did not reveal what type of cancer she has, but said it was spotted during a screening test.
Lauren had spoken about cancer in November 2015, in a radio interview with drug smuggler and ‘Mr Nice’ author, Howard Marks, who was battling the disease at the time.
During their poignant chat, Howard said: “I saw cancer as a way of living, rather than a way of dying. A third of the world have cancer or will have it, and it is a way of living.”
Lauren said that was a “fascinating” thing to hear, and wanted the acclaimed author to tell her more about it.
Howard said: “Because so many people have it really, I think that’s the overriding thing, and because so many people survive it.
“I mean, I can’t survive it, it’s terminal, it’s going to kill me, but it might take a long time to kill me.
“And I’m 70 anyway, you know. It’s hardly a case for tragedy or sympathy or anything like that, it’s just how I’m living.”
Lauren replied: “Has it changed your outlook, does it bring you, you know, people talk about living in the moment.
“There’s that great line – the ‘blossomest blossom’ – which I always think of, you know, the wonderful Dennis Potter line.
“I think he had terminal cancer and he said the important things are more important and kind of sillier at the same time and you can’t describe it to someone, but you really feel it.”
Howard agreed, saying it was “absolutely correct”, adding: “I feel as if I didn’t really start living until I was told I was dying.”
He died the year after the interview, aged 70.
Lauren was referencing a passage attributed to television screenwriter Dennis Potter, who said: “At this season, the blossom is out in full now, there in the west early.
“It’s a plum tree, it looks like apple blossom but it’s white, and looking at it, instead of saying ‘Oh that’s nice blossom’ … last week looking at it through the window when I’m writing, I see it is the whitest, frothiest, blossomest blossom that there ever could be, and I can see it.
Lauren's statement in full
“Right then, some personal news… I recently had a cancer diagnosis.
“It was (thank God) caught early and unexpectedly during a screening test and I am expected to make a full recovery.
“I’m in hospital at the moment and wanted to take this moment to say thank you: Firstly to the medical teams who have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness.
“To my family and friends who have been absolutely extraordinary every step of the way – I am so very grateful and love you so much. And of course thank you to my colleagues… for their support – and for giving me the time off that I need to get better.
“I also want to say that if you’re avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get yourself checked out please, please do it today.
“Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything.
“It’s usually my job to bring the good vibes on air but any you have to spare are very much welcome here.
“Sending loads of love to anyone in a similar boat, or who has made it back to shore xxx.”
“Things are both more trivial than they ever were, and more important than they ever were, and the difference between the trivial and the important doesn’t seem to matter.
“But the nowness of everything is absolutely wondrous, and if people could see that, you know.
“There’s no way of telling you; you have to experience it, but the glory of it, if you like, the comfort of it, the reassurance.”
Amid Lauren’s recent revelation about cancer, she urged her followers to attend every scan or appointment they’re given as it could be life-saving.
She added: “If you’re avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get yourself checked out please, please do it today.
“Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything.”
Celebrity friends rushed to send well-wishes to Lauren today.
Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor wrote: “Lots of love to you, Lauren. Here’s to a speedy recovery. Xxxx.”
Myleene Klass commented under Lauren’s post: “You are incredible and have been every step of the way. Love you Lala x.”
Footballing legend Ian Wright and former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary also posted red love hearts in support.