Former BBC North West Tonight presenter and firefighter Beccy Barr has passed away following a public battle with cancer, which she announced on Christmas Eve last year.
Lancaster native Beccy Barr, who was in her forties, revealed her cancer diagnosis last December via Twitter. She poignantly shared, “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.”
Barr’s career began as a reporter for The Blackpool Citizen. She then moved to London to join Money Marketing. Barr advanced her career by reporting for Bloomberg in New York, presenting financial news at CNBC in London, and later joining BBC North West Tonight in March 2013. She also presented BBC Radio Lancashire’s breakfast programme, covered business news for BBC Radio 5 Live, presented Sunday Politics North West, and reported for BBC Inside Out.
In September 2019, after nearly 20 years in journalism, Barr made a significant career change, joining Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Following in her father Roy’s footsteps, she transitioned to a new role as a firefighter in Blackburn. Discussing the move, Barr expressed that she was both “excited and terrified.” Despite the challenges, she achieved considerable success in her new career.
Tributes have poured in from public figures and colleagues alike. Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith expressed her sorrow, stating, “I’m so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for all those who mourn her. She made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match. RIP Beccy.” Fellow presenter Annabelle Tiffin described Barr as a “feisty, fearless woman gone far too soon,” while former footballer Trevor Sinclair simply stated, “Heartbreaking 💔 🕊️.”
Barr spent her final days at St John’s Hospice, which provided dignified and compassionate care. An announcement from her Twitter account read, “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.”
Beccy Barr’s legacy spans journalism and public service, with her life’s work touching many. Her story is a testament to her strength, compassion, and dedication to making the world a better place.