Danny Kelly had powerful final message on talkSPORT as beloved broadcaster dies aged 69
Beloved broadcaster and journalist Danny Kelly has sadly died at the age of 69, making his final on-air words on talkSPORT even more poignant.
The talkSPORT DJ left his listeners with a lasting, powerful message when he announced he was stepping away from the station due to cancer treatment.
Now with Kelly having passed away, tributes have poured in for the talkSPORT legend. This is what he said on his final show.
DJ Danny Kelly passes away - leaving a moving last message
Danny Kelly first appeared on talkSPORT in 2007, becoming a mainstay across two decades.
He most recently presented the Sunday night show Trans-Europe Express, as well as being a regular on the Hawksbee and Jacobs slot.
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"A cherished part of talkSPORT for so many years, Danny brought extraordinary wit, warmth and knowledge to our airwaves," the station said in a statement. "His passion for football, music and life was infectious, and his kindness touched everyone around him."
Prior to talkSPORT, Kelly had been editor of both NME and Q magazine, his radio shows imbued with a love of music and culture.
His overarching passion was for Tottenham Hotspur, and his enthusiasm for the game in general enthralled Spurs fans and neutrals alike.
What Danny Kelly said on farewell talkSPORT show
Kelly had been diagnosed with throat cancer at the time he had to step back from radio duties, saying that he hoped to be back following treatment.
However, the veteran broadcaster had a profound message for his listeners before leaving the studio one final time.
"I need to talk plainly to you all now because the majority of our listeners, better or worse, are men,” he said.
“And men are often very difficult people to talk about and talk to and talk with about medical issues.
"Six weeks ago, I went to the doctor, hat on the side of my head, something going on with my eating. I thought it was probably acid reflux and he would give me a big bag of Gaviscon. Other tablets are available. Instead, it turns out that I have cancer.
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"To be specific, I have cancer of the oesophagus, a really dangerous thing. Now look, that's the bad news. The less bad news, because it isn't really good news, is that after another long series of tests, after a very tense three or four weeks waiting for results, the medics say that the thing hasn't spread inside my body and that they can and they will help me.
"What I'm facing, to be truthful with you all again, is a tough and lengthy programme of treatment. There will be chemicals, there will be surgery, and there will be chemicals again.
"It is a hard road, but one that the doctors are hopeful that will see me emerge recovered and healthy at the far end. Now, obviously, there will be times during this, whole stretches of time where I won't be fit to broadcast.
"But I want to say here that talkSPORT have been absolutely amazing about this, as I guess they would be, and they will let me decide when and if I'm okay to talk to you.
"I want to do that and broadcast onwardly because I enjoy it, because I need to have something to look forward into the future, and because therefore, at a time when my physical health's under attack, it will help my mental health. And I thank them for the opportunity they've given me to make up my mind about that.
"Now, look, this isn't just about me. I've learned something really incredibly important in the last few weeks. I think I knew it, but it's been nailed home to me.
"If you feel something just isn't right in your body, I don't mean you've got a hangnail or a bit of earwax or something, but if you know something is not quite right in your body, for God's sake, go to the doctor. Get yourself checked out.
"99 per cent of the time, it will be nothing. But if it is something, the sooner it's caught, the better the chance of getting it sorted out. Get yourself checked out.
"So that's it, my friends. You'll be hearing me less and less regularly as I concentrate on letting the fabulous medical people do their stuff.
"Meanwhile, your prayers, best wishes, positive vibes, whatever you can, will be gratefully accepted.
"Thanks for listening to this, which I know hasn't been easy, and for listening to me and Charlie today. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, and the genius of the doctors, we'll do it all again real soon and long into the future.
"God bless you all. Cheers for now."
Topics: Football, Tottenham Hotspur
James Elson
