Rachael Bland's last words to fellow cancer podcast hosts revealed: 'Remember Gucci sunnies for my funeral'

Rachael Bland pictured with her co-hosts Lauren Mahon and Deborah James
BBC
Tom Powell7 September 2018

Rachael Bland used her last conversation with her friends to tell them to wear Gucci sunglasses to her funeral, it was revealed today.

The BBC presenter last met her co-hosts on the You, me and the Big C podcast in the middle of August when they recorded an episode at the BBC studio in Salford.

A few weeks later the 40-year-old told Deborah James, 36, and Lauren Mahon, 33, that she only had days to live.

But Mrs Bland, who died on Wednesday after two years with breast cancer , still joked with her friends about what they should wear to her funeral, Ms Mahon revealed today in an interview with the Telegraph.

Rachael Bland died from breast cancer on Wednesday
BBC

She said: “Remember: Gucci sunnies, floppy hat and black.”

Ms James, who has incurable bowel cancer, replied: “Ok. We’re under strict orders.”

Ms Mahon added that they made light of the situation when they first found out Mrs Bland had days to live.

She said: "I went, 'Rachel I've been away on holiday for two days and you go dying on me,' to which she replied: 'I know. I didn't want to tell you'."

The presenters, whose podcast has soared to the top of the charts in recent days, previously paid tribute to their co-host after her death.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Mahon said: "That woman changed my life, and she changed it for the better.

"We just bonded immediately. She showed me what it means to be courageous."

Ms James added: "I woke up this morning wanting it not to be real.

"But I also woke up with an amazing sense of pride.

"My cancer returned recently and she was the first person that I called.

"She has held my hand. She's the person that I called at three in the morning. She is incredible."

The pair have said that the podcast will go on without Mrs Bland, as they promised her it would.

The BBC newsreader, who leaves behind husband Steve and young son Freddie, was adamant her work on the podcast would continue.

Ms Mahon said: "It will go on, she was determined. Her wishes to us were for us to keep it going.

"She wanted this and so we will do this for her."

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