Former BBC TV presenter and firefighter dies
A former BBC regional TV presenter has died, her sister has confirmed.
Beccy Barr, from Lancaster, worked for BBC North West Tonight from 2013, before leaving in 2019 to become a firefighter for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS).
The 46-year-old was diagnosed with incurable abdominal cancer in 2023.
Posting on Ms Barr’s X account, external, her sister said she had “passed away peacefully this morning”. Her former BBC North West Tonight colleague, Annabel Tiffin, said she was “a feisty, fearless woman”.
Roger Johnson, who presents BBC North West Tonight, said: “Beccy was courageous in so many ways.
“In the way she faced her illness, of course, but she also had the courage to walk away from a successful TV career to retrain as a firefighter.
“She wanted to make a difference and she excelled at that, too.”
He added his thoughts were with her family.
Ms Barr was a member of LFRS’s Red Watch in Blackburn.
The fire service said it was “deeply saddened” to hear the news, adding: “Beccy was a dedicated and courageous firefighter who served with professionalism and compassion.
“She was an enthusiastic and warm person who became an inspiration to many.”
Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith was among hundreds paying tribute on social media, the Labour MP said Ms Barr “made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match”.
Chris Brindley, editor of BBC North West, said Ms Barr was a “much-loved part of the team”.
He added: “Those who worked with Beccy will remember her as an inspiration and those who watched her will remember her as a really talented journalist and presenter.”
Ms Barr was a Girlguiding leader for many years, most recently running a Rainbow unit at St Paul’s in Scotforth.
She was also active in the triathlon community, having participated in IronmanUK and several long-distance athletic events.
Ms Barr is survived by her much-cherished daughter, Hannah.
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