BBC radio presenter, 55, who revealed live on air that he had terminal cancer has died just one month after telling listeners about his illness 

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Andy Potter, 55, shocked fans when he revealed he had terminal cancer live on air

A BBC radio presenter who revealed live on air that he had terminal cancer has died just one month after bravely telling listeners about his illness.

Andy Potter, 55, shocked fans when he said the disease had spread to his bowel, liver and kidneys on the BBC Radio Derby breakfast show on January 25.

The host, who had been with Radio Derby since 1999, told listeners that he had just 'months left' during a poignant broadcast from his hospital bed.

He died surrounded by his family at Royal Derby Hospital in the early hours of Sunday.

Tributes to the popular presenter have since flooded in describing him as a 'gentleman', an 'outstanding broadcaster' and a 'champion of the arts'.

Actress Brenda Blethyn also remembered 'lovely' Mr Potter and said he will be 'missed by many'.

The veteran radio announced his cancer battle in January.

He told fans: 'I honestly didn't know how to deal with it, when someone tells you this is the end of your life.

'I even told the consultant 'I suppose I have had better days'.

'It is in a few places in my body, including my bowels, and I have been told I have just months left.

'My wife and son were, of course, the first people to hear the news but I wanted to get it out there to those who listen to my show and those who know me.

Broadcasting from his hospital bed, Mr Potter told listeners he had just 'months left'

'It means that I won't be going back to work at BBC Radio Derby.' 

In a family statement, his wife Anne and children Amy and Simon praised his 'tremendous' courage in fighting the disease.

They said: 'During the last seven days, as his condition advanced, myself, Amy his daughter, and Anne his wife of 25 years, have sat by his side 24 hours every day, helping him face what is an evil disease.

'He has taken each day as it came and dealt with everything that has been thrown at him.

'The messages, cards and mentions of him were passed onto him, every message, comment and 'like' sent from those that knew him got to him, and from the bottom of our hearts thank you.

'People's love for him, the beautiful words and unbelievable kindness that we have witnessed is beyond words and will not be forgotten.

'Andy is so many different things to so many different people, including radio presenter, friend, interviewer, colleague, journalist, printer, volunteer or one of a thousand others.

'To us though he holds the simplest yet most important titles amongst them all, my dad, grandad and my Andy, and we will miss him every day.

Tributes to Mr Potter, who joined Radio Derby in 1999, have flooded across Twitter with people calling him an 'outstanding broadcaster' (pictured, interviewing Joanna Lumley)

'We urge you to please take that image of him that you personally have, think about it, think about talking to him, think about the words spoken and please remember him, and just simply smile.'

The family also thanked staff and volunteers at the Nightingale MacMillan Unit of Derby Royal Hospital for their 'compassion'.

Presenter Ian Skye broke the news of Potter's death to devastated listeners on his breakfast show today.

Simon Cornes, BBC Radio Derby editor, said: 'Andy is going to be deeply missed by all his friends at Radio Derby as well as the thousands of listeners who regularly tuned into his programmes.

'He's been a big part of the station for many years and it's hard to imagine the place without him.

'He was a Derby man through and through and a great champion of the city's arts scene.

Mr Potter died surrounded by his family at Royal Derby Hospital in the early hours of Sunday

'If there was an event taking place in Derby it was a pretty safe bet that Andy would be there and a good chance that he'd be hosting it.

'Our thoughts are with Andy's loved ones at this difficult time.'

Celebrities also paid tribute, with Academy Award nominated actress Blethyn writing: 'So sad to hear of the passing of lovely Andy Potter, radio Derby broadcaster. He will be missed by so many. RIP Andy xxx.'

While former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison wrote: 'Really sad to hear the wonderful @BBC radio presenter Andy Potter has passed away.  He interviewed me a few times and was so lovely and fun, a gent.'

Mid Derbyshire Conservative MP Pauline Latham lauded Mr Potter's work on Derby's arts scene, she tweeted: 'Terrible to hear of Andy Potter's death today. A real champion for the arts whose enthusiasm for local amateur performances was infectious.'

Celebrities, including actress Brenda Blethyn, and listeners have paid tribute to Mr Potter

Fans also paid tribute on social media with Andrew Walker tweeting: 'Such sad news on hearing of the passing of Andy potter.

'A wonderful man who I had the pleasure of meeting on his radio show.'

Gareth Tibbles added: 'Sorry to hear the sad news of the death of BBC Derby's own Andy Potter. Will be missed by so many.' 

 Alison Martin wrote: 'Sad to hear of the passing of Andy Potter. He was a dignified and interesting presenter for Derby folk.'

While Richard Pinkett posted: 'What a sad day. Farewell Andy Potter outstanding broadcaster, caring person and a lovely man. Condolences to his family.' 

James Allen PR shared: 'Sad to hear of Andy Potter's death. Such a nice bloke, accomplished broadcaster, community stalwart and he DJ'd my wedding. RIP Andy.'