BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson shared some emotional news on Monday’s show

Ben Thompson revealed that one of Monday’s BBC Breakfast guests was fighting cancer whilst receiving treatment.

Near the programme’s conclusion, Ben and Luxmy Gopal chatted with postman John Wilkins regarding the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate individuals who improve others’ lives.

The presenting pair welcomed John, who featured amongst the award nominees. Nevertheless, during the interview, Ben paused to reveal that John wasn’t merely a community cornerstone but was also battling leukaemia.

“I have always been a busy person,” John said before adding. “I would never be a sprinter, I just keep going.”

Ben enquired: “John, am I right in saying you’re waiting for medical treatment?”

“I do, yeah, I have been diagnosed with leukaemia,” John replied, reports the Express.

John has been nominated for a BBC award
John has been nominated for a BBC award(Image: BBC)

 

“You’re doing all of this,” Ben interrupted. “You’re doing all of this extra stuff, looking after these other people, and you’re still waiting for treatment yourself.

“When are you having that? Do you know yet?”

“I have platelet transfusions regularly, but I need to have a bone marrow transplant and stem cells,” John shared.

“And for that, you need to have a perfect match, and at the moment, they haven’t been able to find a perfect match.”

John is battling cancer
John is battling cancer(Image: BBC)

John explained the closest match they had discovered was someone residing in Japan.

“A long way away,” Ben observed before commending John: “You are brilliant.”

John has received a nomination in the Great Neighbour Category. When he discovered this, he said, “I was totally shocked.

“All I do is be my normal person on my delivery, and I help people all the time. From feeding the dogs to changing a light bulb.”