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.”
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.
“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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