Ex-BBC presenter who swapped her TV career to become a firefighter dies after a battle with cancer

A former BBC presenter who swapped her TV career to become a firefighter has died after a battle with cancer. 

Beccy Barr, from Lancaster, was diagnosed with incurable cancer last year.

The mother-of-one joined BBC North West Tonight as a presenter and reporter back in 2013 having previously spent five years in financial news at CNBC in London.   

But after 20 years in journalism, she decided to follow in her father's footsteps and joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in 2019.

Beccy's family made the announcement on 'X' this afternoon. Their statement read: 'I’m sharing the very sad news that Beccy passed away peacefully this morning. 

'She spent her last few days at St John's Hospice who provided the most dignified & compassionate care to Beccy & her whole family. 

'Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy’s memory.'

Becky joined the fire service in 2019 because she wanted to 'learn a new trade from scratch'. Her father Roy spent around 20 years in the fire service.

She told the BBC at the time: 'I still really love being a journalist but it has been nearly 20 years and I'm ready for a change and a different challenge'.

Becky told her followers on 'X' that she had been diagnosed with incurable cancer at the beginning of 2023.

She said at the time; '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.'

Paying tribute today, Beccy's sister Jennifer Pomphrey said: 'This morning Beccy passed away peacefully at St John's Hospice in Lancaster. They offered the most dignified and compassionate care for the last few days of her life.

'Beccy led an incredible life that I will post about on her account in the near future along with details of her funeral. 

'For now, I just want to say that I was incredibly blessed to have such an amazing sister. She was a very loved daughter, granddaughter and niece. More than anything she was a wonderful mother to Hannah.

'If you wish to show your love please send donations to St John's Hospice in Beccy's memory. Please feel free to leave messages, we will read them and take comfort in them but may not reply whilst we take time to be together as a family.'

Beccy's career started in print journalism as a reporter for The Blackpool Citizen before she moved to London to join Money Marketing. 

She also had stints at BBC Radio 5 Live, reporting for BBC Inside Out and Sunday Politics North West.