Radio DJ and broadcaster Lauren Laverne has opened up for the first time since receiving the all-clear from cancer, revealing how the experience has given her a newfound appreciation for life.
The 46-year-old, originally from Sunderland, first announced her cancer diagnosis in August last year, choosing not to specify the type. She took a three-month break from her work at the BBC, returning in November with the news that she had been given the all-clear.
‘I appreciate everything about my life’
Now, after months of reflection, Laverne has spoken about her journey, appearing on the cover of Good Housekeeping’s May issue.
“One of the really big things I’ve learned is that it’s all life,” she said. “It’s all part and parcel and texture – a real life is lots of big experiences. And the truth of that is, like it or not, going through big stuff expands your emotional vocabulary.”
She added:
“I’ve learned a massive amount, and I hope I’m a better person now. And actually, I probably love my life more than I did then, because I appreciate everything about it.”
A difficult journey following personal loss
Laverne’s experience was particularly emotional, as she had lost her mother Celia to cancer in 2022. She admitted that her mum’s death made her anxious about her own health, leading her to undergo regular screenings.
“I got tested for everything,” she explained. “And as a result, when diagnosed, it got picked up early on.”
Her story highlights the importance of early detection, which was key to her successful recovery.
Tears of relief after the all-clear
Laverne described the emotional moment she was told she had beaten the disease, recalling how she and her husband, Graeme Fisher, were overwhelmed with relief.
“I think it’s only when the storm passes that you realise what you’d been holding in,” she said.
She added:
“We just sat in the car and both burst into tears and cried.”
More Read
Returning to work and a new chapter
During her time away from the BBC, Laverne took a step back from her 6 Music breakfast show, a slot she had hosted since 2019. In January this year, it was announced that Nick Grimshaw would take over the coveted morning slot, while Laverne would transition to a mid-morning schedule.
Despite her illness, she continued recording for BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs and made appearances on BBC One’s The One Show last year.
Now, fully recovered and back in the studio, Laverne says she is looking forward to new opportunities and embracing every moment.
A message of gratitude and hope
Laverne’s story serves as a reminder of resilience, gratitude, and the importance of prioritising health. She hopes that sharing her journey will encourage others to be proactive about screenings and to cherish the small joys in life.
Her experience, she says, has fundamentally changed her perspective, making her more grateful for the little things – family, friends, and everyday moments she might have once taken for granted.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t change the way I feel about my life now,” she said. “I appreciate it all – every bit of it.”
