A FORMER BBC radio presenter has died at the age of 72 after a brave battle with cancer.
Dave Monk, who presented programmes on BBC Essex for almost four decades, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024.
He recently announced the disease had returned before his tragic death.
Monk, whose real name was David Travis, was among the original broadcasters on BBC Essex when it started airing from Chelmsford in November 1986.
The broadcaster was involved in covering some of Essex’s most significant memories, including being the designated first local voice on air after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
He also interviewed dozens of famous figures, including Sir Tony Blair, Dame Vera Lynn, and Sir Paul McCartney.
Dave was also heavily involved in charitable work, supporting Havens Hospices, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Parkinson’s UK and Colchester men’s health charity CHAPS.
And he was a patron of Remus Horse Sanctuary and Open Road, a drug and alcohol recovery service.
Tributes have since poured in for the legendary radio presenter.
Robert Thompson, interim director of production at BBC Local, said Monk was the “voice of Essex” and had a “remarkable impact on the county”.
He told the BBC: “From solicitor to broadcaster, there was nothing Dave couldn’t do, and he taught us all to grab hold of every opportunity and go after it.”
Meanwhile, Chelmsford City Football Club chairman Spencer Gore said: “Very sad to hear the news. Such a lovely guy.
“I remember him fondly from our time on the board together at Inspire.”
