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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.
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Sad to hear. Take care
Brave words could help others through this terrible sickness
Sounds like Mike has a very wise perspective on the situation. Every day is a bonus really with so many potential dangers, accidents and our total reliance on our meaty machinery not imploding at some point. It’s always crazy thinking about how our entire being, memories, hopes and dreams are all completely reliant on a muscle the size of our fist!
All the best to Mike. Breathe it all in and enjoy as much of the good stuff as you can :)
@SerotoninWars: absolutely, couldn’t put it better. You get (70 approx) amount of years you exist out of hundreds of millions of trillions of years. just enjoy. When you’re dead you won’t be happy or sad or in fear you just don’t exist. Enjoy the here and now. That’s all that matters.
@James King: Definitely. We’re here for a blink. We’re also incredibly lucky to have rolled out into an era where healthcare and medicine has never been more advanced. Yet more luck being born in a part of the world that is relatively rich and prosperous, even with its many issues. Many of us would not be here right now if we’d been born in different eras with a far lower average life expectancy.
No matter how philosophical we are, for most we’d probably find it hard to pick an exact day when we’ve had enough and wouldn’t want to squeeze one more day of life out of it. But it’s the most pointless of battles resisting the inevitable where we return to the big blank. So yes, make the most of each day is all we can do, no matter how much this stuff can sound like greeting card banalities!
Words fail me trying to understand some of the responses here. I sincerely wish Michael Reade well and hope he finds as much comfort in his family and friends as possible.
I have incurable blood cancer, leading you know where. There is no option other than to enjoy every moment as best one can. No point in fighting battles which cannot be won, and that isn’t defeatist, just realistic. Is gairid an bheatha. Bain sult as gach nóiméad!
@Antaine (aolbfs): Oh Antaine I don’t know what else to say but know that we are ALL on the same road and today could be our last day despite age, health, ANYTHING… I hope you’re feeling good. Genuinely wish you happiness x
@Antaine (aolbfs): Really sorry to hear Antaine. All the best mate. Hope today is a good day! :)
Thanx Michael,
For all the good times you brought to us over the years. Hope I cud have the same attitude when the day comes.
You’re just ahead of us in the queue, we’ve all the same destiny.
I’ll be seeing you (in eternity).
A talented presenter. I enjoyed listening to him. I wish you well Sir
I wish you peace!
God bless you mike
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