Cancer patient Ali back on air

8:15am Wednesday 27th August 2008

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Former BBC Radio Oxford presenter Ali Booker is going back on the airwaves - two years after being told she had inoperable cancer.

Mrs Booker, 43, was given only two years to live in 2006.

But on Monday she will start work with Oxford independent station Jack FM, co-presenting the Sunday Roast with Phil Angell - and even producing the show.

The mother-of-two, from Charlton Heights, Wantage, said: "It's funny how things turn out. I'm so excited to be going back on the radio.

"My doctors say my condition has plateaued - basically it isn't getting any better, or any worse - so as long as I take it steady they are fine with me working again.

"I'm going to take things slow and see how I get on, but it's great to know I'm useful again."

In 2003, Ali beat breast cancer, but the disease returned and is now in her lungs.

She retired from the BBC in January last year after 12 years.

She said: "It was very tough and I missed being on the radio so much, but I needed the time to sort myself out and to feel better. The cancer made me breathless and tired, but I am now on a new vitamin programme and I feel so enthusiastic about working again.

"The crowd at Jack FM are absolutely fabulous and have been so welcoming to me.

"They're also pretty mad like me, so we get on great. And my husband Andrew and my children Joanne and Douglas are also thrilled about me going back to work - they know how much I have missed it."

As well as her co-presenting and producing role, Ali is reading the late news on the station.

She said: "The best thing about radio is feeling a part of what is going on in Oxfordshire, and I have really missed that.

"I'm going to have a lot of fun presenting with Phil Angell and I've got lots in store for the show - but that's all I'm telling you."

She added: "My doctors tell me I am still here partly because of PMA - positive mental attitude. I just feel so lucky to be getting a second bite at the cherry."