Bill Turnbull praised for saving lives after sharing prostate cancer diagnosis: ‘Thousands have come forward’-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro

Bill Turnbull died on Wednesday after a battle with prostate cancer (Picture: PA)

Bill Turnbull has been praised for saving lives after speaking about his prostate cancer diagnosis.

The former BBC Breakfast star died on Wednesday at the age of 66 after a battle with the illness, his family confirmed, with tributes pouring in.

Turnbull was open about his diagnosis, and was an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, campaigning to raise awareness about those at risk.

The charity’s chief executive Laura Kerby said of his incredible legacy: ‘Thousands and thousands of men have come forward as a result of him helping us raise awareness of Prostate Cancer UK – and him just telling his story.

‘He has saved lives – 11,500 men die in the UK every year of prostate cancer and he would have helped some people come earlier (for testing) so that they could have avoided that.’

She added to PA: ‘One in eight men are affected, one in four black men, and he has made a huge impact in reaching into those communities, as a man telling his story, being brave.

‘We will be forever grateful for everything that he’s done to help men find out about their prostate cancer risk, and everything he’s done for us at Prostate Cancer UK.’

The beloved TV presenter died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, five years after he was first diagnosed with the disease.

‘Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP,’ his family said in a statement.

Turnbull, pictured with co-star Susanna Reid, hosted BBC Breakfast (Picture: PA)

Tributes have poured in for the late star (Picture: PA)

‘He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.

‘Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people’s homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM.

‘He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.’

The statement continued: ‘Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.’

Turnbull shared news of his prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2018 and detailed his treatment in a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive.

Many, including his BBC Breakfast co-star Susanna Reid, have paid tribute to the iconic presenter.

MORE : Susanna Reid among former BBC Breakfast stars to return for special episode to celebrate life of Bill Turnbull

MORE : Inside Bill Turnbull’s family life: Wife, children, and where he lived

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