(Credit: Virgin Radio)
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Reverend Ruth Scott discusses terminal illness with Chris Evans

She spoke about spending time with loved ones

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In an interview hailed by listeners as “deeply moving” and “beautiful”, Radio 2’s Reverend Ruth Scott has opened up about being terminally ill.

Speaking to Virgin Radio’s Chris Evans from her hospital bed, the former missionary, best known for presenting Radio 2’s Pause for Thought, admitted she wishes she had longer.

Radio veteran Chris introduced the chat – available on his podcast – by telling listeners: “We recorded at her bedside at Southampton General Hospital last week. Ruth is undergoing end of life care.”

You can listen to the chat on Chris Evans’ podcast (Credit: Virgin Radio Podcast)

Ruth, who is only 60, warned Chris, 52 – who she has known for ten years: “I might not be coherent… Essentially, I’m in the process of dying.”

The mum-of-two spoke calmly about her cancer, telling Virgin Radio Breakfast Show listeners that she’s spending her remaining weeks with loved ones.

Ruth was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago, and has been receiving treatment. She told Chris, “We just found out it didn’t work. I’ve just got a few weeks to live. Probably two or three weeks at most. So, we’re in the middle of saying goodbyes with the family and thinking about what it is to be separating from one another.”

She added: “It feels very weird on one level, but it feels very natural on another.

Ruth Scott is a veteran broadcaster for the BBC (Credit: BBC)

“I’ve had the most fantastic life, Chris. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but I would’ve liked it to be a bit longer if possible. That’s not going to happen, so I’ve got to accept the fact that I’m dying, and I want to die as naturally as possible.

“I want to embrace dying, and be surrounded by the people I love.”

The reverend praised the “fantastic team” working on her medical care, and said she isn’t frightened.

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Listeners were stunned by the moving conversation, with one fan tweeting: “One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever heard on the radio… Today’s Chris Evans’ int. w/ Rev Ruth Scott. So deeply moving, generous, compassionate, inspiring. Rev Ruth gives us such a gracious lesson about life & the acceptance of death as part of it.”

(Credit: Twitter)
Many fans rushed to compliment the conversation (Credit: Twitter)

Another commented: “@achrisevans @VirginRadioUK What a beautiful interview with the Rev Ruth Scott #Humbled.”

A third added: “A tearful, but very powerful listen this morning on @VirginRadioUK with Rev. Ruth and @achrisevans 💕.” While one more said: “Incredible piece of radio this morning with Chris Evans @VirginRadioUK speaking with Reverend Ruth Scott, who only has a few weeks to live. Rev Ruth was a huge part of Pause for Thought with Sir Terry & Chris. Incredibly moving. God bless.”

(Credit: Virgin Radio/YouTube)
The radio DJ has been active since 1983 (Credit: Virgin Radio/YouTube)

Even TV presenters Dick and Dom waded in, posting on social media: “This interview by @achrisevans with Rev Ruth is a truly beautiful, beautiful piece of radio. Hairs on the back of the neck stuff. And very relevant. @VirginRadioUK.”

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Were you touched by this interview? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor