LONGTIME RADIO HOST Michael Reade has announced that he has terminal cancer.

The 58-year-old LMFM presenter released a statement about his health after he’d been off work for six weeks.

He said of his diagnosis: “Sounds awful, I know, but you know, I’m oddly okay with it. I have reconciled myself with the situation that I find myself in.

“I am not devastated. I wish it wasn’t so, but it is – and this is not open to negotiation. It is not an argument I can win. In fact, there just isn’t any argument to be had.

“You know I thought, I could spend a lot of time being devastated and that, I’m sure, would be understandable to some degree but I thought, I just don’t have enough time left to do that.”

Reade was first on air 43 years ago at just 15 years old. He’s been with LMFM for over two decades, becoming well-known for his daily radio show that focuses on current events and debates.

He described his career as a “privilege”, thanking his listeners for tuning in.

He said his illness is “actually a blessing of sorts”.

“I am looking at things that might otherwise have passed me by and I am getting so much pleasure from some very basic, simple things. A smiling face or a kind word, a ray of sunshine, breathing fresh air.

“Being home with the people I love and knowing they love me, is priceless. There is nothing more important to me.

“Everyone is parking their sadness and doing what I have asked them to do. That is; to know I am okay with this and that I just want to surround myself now in love and positive vibrations.

“So, there is no sadness around me. All of us are trying to be strong. Trying to be positive and trying to help each other through this – best we can.

“I am not sure when I will get the chance to speak to you again but I do hope to be able to speak to you again soon.”

Reade is nominated in two categories at next month’s IMRO Radio Awards.