LMFM host Michael Reade tells his loyal listeners that he has terminal cancer

In a message broadcast on the station this morning, Michael revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and that the diagnosis was terminal.

Michael has been hosting his show on LMFM for 21 years and has won numerous awards for his journalism. He is currently nominated in two categories at next month’s IMRO Radio Awards.

In a statement to his many loyal listeners, the broadcaster said: “Regular listeners to the station will probably know that I have not been to work for over a month, about 6 weeks now. I know some people who listen to me would like to know why.

“Well, I’m not known for being very polite, so I’ll get straight to the point. I’m not well. I’m actually very sick.”

“I have cancer and I’m afraid I’ll have to say that my diagnosis is terminal. In other words, it’s a disease from which I won’t be able to recover.”

Mr Reade said he had “come to terms” with the diagnosis and defiantly declared: “I’m not afraid.”

The LMFM presenter explained: “I’m not devastated. I wish it wasn’t, but it is – and it’s not negotiable. It’s not a debate I can win. In fact, there’s simply no debate to be had.”

“I kind of figured that out the moment I was told I was dying. You know, I thought I could spend a lot of time being devastated and I’m sure that would be understandable to some extent, but I figured I just didn’t have enough time to do that.

“The time I have left will be precious and do I want to use it to be sad and see it as something negative?”

Mr. Reade chose to approach his diagnosis with positivity: “The situation I find myself in now is actually kind of a blessing, because now I look at things that otherwise would have escaped me and I get a lot of pleasure from very basic and simple things. A smiling face or a kind word, a ray of sunshine, breathing fresh air.

“You won’t be surprised to hear how much I enjoy being able to simply listen and observe the majestic seagulls that surround me.

“But being home with the people I love and knowing that they love me is priceless. There’s nothing more important to me.”

“I’m living, experiencing what I believe to be a beautiful story of people, as all my family and friends rally around me. Everyone puts their sadness aside and does what I asked them to do. Which is to know that I’m okay with this and just want to surround myself with love and positive vibes.

“So there’s no sadness around me. We’re all trying to be strong. We’re trying to be positive and help each other through this as best we can.”

He said he was stepping away from broadcasting for the time being, but expressed hope that he would be able to speak to his listeners again soon.

But for now, the presenter said: “I’m going to need some space, some personal space, some time for myself, some time with my family and the people that I love and I hope that you will understand that and give me that space, please.”

Reflecting on his career, he said: “My first broadcast was 43 years ago. I was only 15 years old. I am very proud to say that since then I have more or less had my own radio program. I have spent 21 years here at LMFM and while I am more proud than I can say of my program here, it has honestly been a privilege. A privilege that you have granted me by listening to me.

“Thank you for this privilege, with my best wishes and of course lots of love and positive vibes.”