Terminally ill James Whale, 74, says he's 'happy to go now and feels at peace' after moving to hospice amid kidney cancer battle - as he makes one final selfless kind act
The legendary DJ and radio presenter, 74, was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2020, which sadly later spread to his spine, brain and lungs.
Last month, James revealed he had moved into a nearby hospice in a health update as medics told him he had just weeks to live, while his wife Nadine remains by his side.
Now, in a column for the Daily Express, Whale has revealed he's in a 'positive' headspace as he praised the doctors and nurses at The Heart of Kent Hospice.
He explained: 'What's surprised me most is how much better in myself I feel since finally moving into a hospice near my home in Kent a week or so back.
'I began to feel better immediately. More positive. I feel at peace here, even though I'm not a religious person.
'I know I've reached the end of my life but I'm quite sanguine about it. Despite everything, I'm happy to go now and a lot of that is due to the people who work here, because they make dying as peaceful and pain-free as possible.'
While urging people to 'take death seriously', James said it's important to discuss your wishes with our loved ones before it's too late or becoming seriously ill.
In one final selfless act, James urged his fans to support the hospice as he shared the sheer cost of running the facility.
He revealed it cost a staggering £7.4million last year, in which 80% of the money was obtained through fundraising alone.
James said they need £12billion more to build a new hospice.
Praising the staff, James shared an insight into the day-to-day care for patients, revealing they even pass around cocktails and mocktails, as well as running themed events and allowing family pets in for visits.
Previously speaking on an episode of his podcast, Tales Of The Whales, James explained how his health has dramatically declined as he admitted he is struggling to breath, talk, think and hear.
James said: 'I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't talk.
'Anyway. Good morning. Welcome to Tales of the Whales, our weekly podcast. I have terminal 5 cancer. Can you get 5?'
Last month, heartbreaking pictures emerged of James giving the 'most compelling' interview of his career.
James filmed the interview with Nigel Farage as a TalkTV producer shared snaps ahead of it being released.
In the images James looked frail amid his illness and had a yellow blanket over his knees.
He penned on X: 'After 50 years in broadcasting, Whaley delivers one of the most compelling and profound conversations of his career.
'A masterclass in asking the right questions. @THEJamesWhale @Nigel_Farage @MitchellCMM.'
Under another image of the interview set up he wrote: 'Filming Whaley's last interview with Nigel Farage. The bravest man I know. A legend and a friend.'
James, who presented his own show on TalkTV, also took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 on Channel 5.
He married his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown in 2021, with Nadine saying they didn't have the 'luxury' of time.
The wedding came 14 months after the radio host revealed that he is battling spine, brain and kidney cancer, and three years after his first wife Melinda died.
Melinda tragically died in May 2018 just months after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
James and Melinda were married for 48 years and had two sons James and Peter. They also have two teenage grandchildren, Oscar and Ella.
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