BBC presenter Rachael Bland has died, aged 40.

Her husband posted confirmation of the sad news on Bland's Twitter page today. Bland had been suffering from breast cancer since late 2016, and had approached the illness with a frankness and honesty that inspired many. As well as appearing on 5 live, she worked as a news presenter on the BBC News Channel, BBC World and BBC North West Tonight. She was also known for hosting a podcast, You, Me and The Big C, with Deborah James and Lauren Mahon where she discusses her illness. In a statement on Twitter, her family wrote: "Our beautiful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family. We are crushed but she would want me to thank everyone who took an interest in her story or sent messages of support. You’ll never know how much they meant to her. Steve and Freddie xxx" https://twitter.com/Rachael_Hodges/status/1037278976195080198 Just two days ago, Bland posted a touching farewell on her Twitter page, after doctors told her she had only days to live. In the message, she said: "In the words of the legendary Frank S - I’m afraid the time has come my friends. And suddenly. I’m told I’ve only got days. It’s very surreal. "Thank you so much for all the support I’ve received. Debs and lozz will continue with the #youmebigc podcast. Au revoir my friends." She has been married to former BBC 5 Live journalist Steve Bland for five years, and recently said she was rushing to complete a memoir for her two-year-old son Freddie. "It's now a real race against time for me to finish my book For Freddie," she said. "If you need me, you'll find me typing and drinking gallons of water!" Her co-hosts will continue to present You, Me and the Big C.