BBC Radio presenter Gordon Sparks dies aged 61 following cancer battle-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro

Gordon Sparks was being treated for cancer at a hospice in Plymouth until his death (Picture: Rex Features)

BBC Radio Devon presenter Gordon Sparks has died at the age of 61, it has been confirmed.

The broadcaster, who presented the breakfast show, was being treated for cancer at St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth until his death.

Announcing the news, Stephanie Marshall, head of BBC South and South West, said: ‘It is a very sad day for BBC Radio Devon. Our hearts go out to Gordon’s friends, family and faithful listeners.

‘Gordon was a broadcasting legend – honest and brave through the toughest times. He will be missed dearly.’

The presenter, affectionately known as Sparksy, notably commentated on Plymouth Argyle games for 32 years.

Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies was among the first to pay tribute to Sparks, tweeting: ‘Sad to hear we’ve lost @SparksyOnRadio Gordon Sparks the sporting voice of Plymouth, fellow janner & friend.

Sparks commentated on Plymouth Argyle games for 32 years (Picture: Rex Features)

Sparks has been remembered as ‘the voice of Plymouth Argyle’ (Picture: Rex Features)

‘He’ll be very missed especially by all those at@HeraldPAFC RIP Sparkzy x.’

Sparks’ colleague Angela Kalwaites, who also presented on the station, said: ‘We will all miss our friend and colleague so much – he was definitely one-of-a-kind with a massive heart and sense of humour.’

The radio DJ had been open about his cancer battle and tweeted updates on his health until days before his death.

Earlier in October, Sparks informed his Twitter followers: ‘Had severe breathing difficulties on Thursday. Paramedics called. Taken to hospital, spent 17 hours in the infamous ambulance queue. Currently on a ward undergoing various tests. Staff magnificent.’

Days later, he added: ‘Tumour slightly bigger. Lungs not responding to antibiotics. New tumour on liver. Soon to be transferred to St Luke’s Hospice for what I’m told will be a period of weeks or short number of months.’

In one of his final posts on October 13, Sparks shared a sweet photo of his granddaughter visiting him in hospital, with the little one smiling at him while he propped her up on his lap.

‘Darcie visited Pops today,’ he wrote.

Sparks shared his final tweet on October 14 and wrote: ‘Huge thanks to the nurses on Brent ward at @UHP_NHS for looking after me over the last week. Have moved to @StLukesPlymouth.

‘After introduction, slept most of the afternoon. Don’t understand how tired I am. Inundated with messages. Sorry I can’t reply.’

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