Former BBC TV presenter turned firefighter from Lancaster dies aged 46

Monday, 22 July 2024 17:17

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A much-loved former TV presenter from Lancaster who swapped her media career to become a firefighter has died aged 46.

Beccy Barr worked for BBC North West Tonight from 2013 before leaving in 2019 to become a firefighter for Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

She was diagnosed with incurable abdominal cancer in 2023.

Beccy passed away peacefully on Monday morning after spending her final days at St John's Hospice in Lancaster.

Donations can be made to the hospice in her memory.

Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster, paid tribute to Beccy.

"I’m so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for all those who mourn her," she tweeted.

"She made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match. RIP Beccy. So much love to her family right now. x."

BBC North West Tonight presenter Annabelle Tiffin said Beccy was a "feisty, fearless woman gone far too soon".

Comedian and actor Ted Robbins said Beccy was "a talented and hugely professional broadcaster and a fine strong woman, who latterly gave so much as a firefighter".

Beccy attended Bowerham Primary School and Lancaster Girls' Grammar School in Lancaster, studied at the London School of Economics then did a postgraduate degree in journalism.

She started her journalism career at the Blackpool Citizen and then worked for Bloomberg News and CNBC in New York before joining the BBC, joining North West Tonight on BBC1 as a reporter then later became a presenter.

She was a Girlguiding leader for many years, most recently running a Rainbow unit at St Paul's in Scotforth, and participated in IronmanUK, triathlons and several long-distance athletic events.

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