THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

The inspirational memoir from the founder of the You, Me and the Big C podcast, Rachael Bland. Courageous and life-affirming, this is a mother's final gift to her son.

My beautiful son, I so wish that I didn't have to leave you now. But believe me, I tried EVERYTHING I could to stay around for you, and for every moment I could eke out of this life. From the outset, it was not a fair fight. My cancer was too big, and too aggressive, and we didn't start on a level playing field. You were fourteen months old and at the beginning I was so full of fierce intention that we could get past this. I would lay you in your cot each night and silently communicate from my mind to yours, 'I will do this Freddie, I will gladly take whatever they throw at me if it means we can stay together'.

In 2016, beloved broadcaster and journalist Rachael Bland was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly afterwards she made the brave decision to share her story, and she spoke with beautiful poignancy through her blog and podcast, You, Me and the Big C.

Having been told that she only had a matter of months left to live and writing this in what were sadly her final days, Rachael brings her warmth, courage and humour to the page in this heart-warming and heart-breaking story. Part memoir, part advice, For Freddie beautifully encapsulates the grace and fearlessness in which Rachael lived her life. This is her legacy and an incredible final gift to her son.

Includes moving contributions from Richard Bacon, Tony Livesey, Emma Barnett, Shelagh Fogarty, Mark Pougatch, Chris Stark and many more.

The standout memoir from BBC broadcaster and podcast founder, Rachel Bland, who captured the nation's hearts with her cancer journey.

About the Author
Rachael Bland (nee Hodges), was a Welsh journalist, best known for presenting news on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC 1's North West Tonight. After training as a broadcast journalist, Rachael presented news bulletins on BBC Wiltshire. She then moved to BBC Radio 5 Live, first reading the news on Richard Bacon's show. Rachael also presented on North West Tonight as both a newsreader and as a stand-in presenter. She was known for her podcast, You, Me and the Big C which was broadcast when she was diagnosed with cancer. Rachael sadly died in September 2018 and she leaves behind her husband Steve and their son, Freddie.

Reviews
Courageous and self-effacing as well as being funny and heartbreaking. * Daily Express *
Frank, funny and poignant. * The Sun *
[A] moving tribute. * Daily Mail, Femail *
Incredibly moving [...] as funny as it is courageous and heartbreaking. * Daily Mirror *
Touching * Good Housekeeping *
One of the most life-affirming books I've ever read. I can't recommend it enough. * Good Living Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781789291322
Author Rachael Bland
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Publisher Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 153mm * 29mm