‘An inspiration to many’: Tributes paid to former BBC North West Tonight reporter Beccy Barr

Tributes are pouring in for the former BBC presenter Beccy Barr who sadly died today (July 22) aged 46 after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Becky started at BBC North West Tonight as a presenter in 2013 before joining Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter in 2019 after more than two decades in journalism.

The mum-of-one from Lancaster announced she had been diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve last year. Writing on X, she said: ‘Earlier this year I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. Two lessons I’ve learned from this distinctly sub-optimal experience: 1) Life is wild. 2) People have an utterly astounding and boundless capacity for love, care and friendship."

READ MORE: Foden celebrates daughter's 3rd birthday at Stockport party

The former presenter's family shared the heartbreaking news of her death in a statement on X today. They wrote: "I’m sharing the very sad news that Beccy passed away peacefully this morning.

"She spent her last few days at @SJHospice who provided the most dignified & compassionate care to Beccy & her whole family. Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy’s memory."

Paying tribute today, Beccy's sister Jennifer Pomphrey said in an emotional post on Instagram: "This morning Beccy passed away peacefully at St John’s Hospice in Lancaster. They offered the most dignified and compassionate care for the last few days of her life.

"Beccy led an incredible life that I will post about on her account in the near future along with details of her funeral. For now, I just want to say that I was incredibly blessed to have such an amazing sister.

"She was a very loved daughter, granddaughter and niece. More than anything she was a wonderful mother to Hannah."

Following the news of