BBC presenter Rachael Bland dies two days after tweeting about her death

BBC presenter Rachael Bland's 'crushed' husband today paid tribute to her after she died aged 40 following an inspirational two-year public battle with cancer.

The mother-of-one, who had triple negative breast cancer, moved thousands of people who hailed her bravery and dignity as she fought terminal illness.

On Monday she told the world she only had days to live and announced the heartbreaking final arrangements made for her family as she bravely faced death.

This is the last picture Rachael Bland posted on Twitter. It shows her (right) giggling with Radio 5 Live co-hosts and fellow cancer patients Lauren Mahon (centre) and Deborah James (left).

This morning, a post on Bland's Twitter account from her family said: 'Our beautiful, courageous Rachael died peacefully this morning surrounded by her close family.

BBC newsreader Rachael Bland, pictured with her three-year-old son Freddie.

Bland (with husband Steve and son Freddie) built up a collection of handwritten notebooks and perfume so her son 'would remember me in some way'

Her husband Steve told the BBC: 'Rachael's death has left a huge hole in our perfect little family that we'll never be able to fill.

'She was an incredibly talented broadcaster as well as a wonderful and much-loved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, wife and, most importantly to her, a mother to her precious little Freddie.

'We all take such huge comfort and pride from the amazing and tireless work she has done since her diagnosis to reduce the stigma around cancer and prove that it is possible to live life to the fullest even when facing huge challenges on a daily basis.

'At the end, even though her body was at its weakest, her voice was at its strongest and most powerful.

'Rachael was and will always be an incredible inspiration to everyone she met. To us, she was perfect in every way and we will miss her more than words can say.

'We just ask that everyone respects our family's privacy as we try and come to terms with losing our beautiful girl.'