Radio One DJ Andy Kershaw, 66, reveals he is battling cancer that has left him 'unable to walk'

Radio One DJ Andy Kershaw has revealed he is battling cancer that has left him ‘unable to walk’

The DJ and presenter, 66, said doctors discovered tumours in his spine last August.

He joked: 'I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast.

'I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant’n’Dec. That should keep me going for a while.

Andy has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and  physiotherapy. 

Andy's close friend, Peter Everett, said the radio star has been facing serious health struggles since his diagnosis. 

He said: 'My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time. Last August he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk.

'Since then he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers.

'Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us.'

Andy's career began at Radio Aire in Leeds, where he worked as a promotions manager and went onto give Carol Vorderman her first job.

He presented the BBC TV’s flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1984 and went onto co-present the BBC’s television coverage of Live Aid.

He was later hired by Radio 1 as a successor to the late DJ John Peel.

Andy travelled the world extensively covering conflicts and music and was a regular contributor to Radio 4 and reported on the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.

His older sister, Liz Kershaw, 67, is one of the longest serving female national radio DJs in the UK, having been on the radio for 39 years.

Andy had a 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner and they share two children together, Sonny and Dolly.

The couple moved to the Isle of Man together but they sadly split in 2006.

Andy released an autobiography, No Off Switch in 2011, detailing his career, and personal struggles.