BBC local radio presenter Emma Britton has died following complications after suffering a stroke.
Emma, who previously hosted breakfast shows on BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Bristol, died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones after living with stage four ALK positive cancer.
Her family announced the news in a statement shared on social media, saying they were “heartbroken” by her death.
Emma was diagnosed with incurable cancer last year and spoke openly about her treatment and experiences with the illness. In the family statement, relatives said she had faced her diagnosis with “openness, determination and honesty”.
The statement added that Emma suffered a stroke three weeks ago and “sadly, it was just too much”.
Tributes have been paid from across the BBC and local radio industry. Gareth Roberts, executive editor at BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Bristol, described Emma as “the best of BBC local radio”.
Stephanie Marshall, Head of BBC West, called her “a true force of nature”.
Emma joined BBC Radio Somerset in 2007 before taking over the breakfast programme in 2013. She later moved to BBC Radio Bristol, where she hosted breakfast for five years before becoming freelance in 2020.
Her family said details of how people can commemorate and celebrate Emma’s life will be shared in the coming weeks.
