Skip to main content

Former BBC Presenter and Firefighter Beccy Barr Passes Away


Beccy Barr

Beccy Barr was a presenter for BBC North West Tonight from 2013 to 2019.

Career Change: In 2019, she left the BBC to train as a firefighter with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
The mum, 46, joined the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in September 2019, after 20 years as a journalist and seven with BBC’s North West Tonight.

She revealed at the time she was following in the footsteps of her father, Roy Barr, and after finishing her training was posted to Blackburn Fire Station.


Diagnosis: In 2023, Beccy was diagnosed with incurable abdominal cancer.

Her sister announced on social media that Beccy passed away peacefully.

Colleagues' Praise:
  • Annabel Tiffin called her "a feisty, fearless woman."
  • Roger Johnson, a current presenter, praised her courage and dedication to making a difference.

Fire Service

  • Lancashire Fire and Rescue described her as a dedicated and courageous firefighter who inspired many.
  • Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston highlighted her professionalism and passion for firefighting.


Beccy made a significant impact during her five years with the fire service, known for her enthusiasm and positive influence.

Active in Girlguiding, she led a Rainbow unit at St. Paul's Church in Scotforth.

She was involved in the triathlon community, participating in IronmanUK and other long-distance events.


Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith was among hundreds paying tribute on social media, the Labour MP said Ms Barr "made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match".

Former BBC Breakfast business presenter Steph McGovern posted on X: "This is heartbreaking. Beccy was the life and soul of the BBC newsroom.

"She always cracked me up with her take on life. Funny, smart and fearless. And then when she left to be a firefighter we were all in awe."

Chris Brindley, editor of BBC North West, said the former presenter was a "much-loved part of the team". 

He added: "Those who worked with Beccy will remember her as an inspiration and those who watched her will remember her as a really talented journalist and presenter."

Ms Barr started her journalism career at the Blackpool Citizen in her early 20s and then worked for Bloomberg News and CNBC in New York before she moved back to Lancashire and joined the BBC.

She was a Girlguiding leader for many years, most recently running a Rainbow unit at St Paul's Church in Scotforth.

Active in the triathlon community, she participated in IronmanUK and several long-distance athletic events.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Meeting Between Somali and Rwandan Presidents

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali on Monday to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance regional cooperation. The discussions between the two leaders focused on the critical need for regional collaboration, especially in tackling shared challenges such as terrorism. President Kagame praised Somalia's progress in security, diplomacy, and economic development, reaffirming Rwanda's commitment to supporting these efforts. President Mohamud was among several African leaders and dignitaries who attended Kagame's inauguration ceremony on Sunday. The National Electoral Commission reported that Kagame secured 99.18% of the vote in last month's election
Post a Comment
Read more

Nigeria fines Meta $220m for violating consumer, data laws

  Nigeria fined Meta Platforms $220 million, its competition watchdog said on Friday, after investigations showed data-sharing on social platforms violated local consumer, data protection and privacy laws. Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said Meta appropriated the data of Nigerian users on its platforms without their consent, abused its market dominance by forcing exploitative privacy policies on users, and meted out discriminatory and disparate treatment on Nigerians, compared with other jurisdictions with similar regulations. Meta did not immediately comment, but the FCCPC said in a statement that the company had provided some documents and have retained counsels who have met and engaged with the agency. FCCPC Chief Adamu Abdullahi said the investigations were jointly held with Nigeria's Data Protection Commission and spanned over 38 months. The investigations found Meta policies don't allow users the option or opportunity to self-...
Post a Comment
Read more

Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival attracts over 68,000 visitors

RIYADH: The third Beit Hail heritage festival, themed “Your Home Away From Home,” has attracted more than 68,000 visitors since its opening at Aja Park earlier this month, Saudi Press Agency reported. The 30-day event has drawn visitors of all ages from the region and beyond, offering a showcase of local culture and traditions. Festival highlights include a Hijazi village exhibit, alongside live demonstrations of traditional crafts. (SPA) Festival highlights include a Hijazi village exhibit featuring Yanbu’s heritage, alongside live demonstrations of traditional crafts. Visitors can also observe artisans creating prayer beads, practicing Sadu weaving, crafting leather water bottles, and demonstrating embroidery techniques. Other showcased skills include hand-woven carpet production, crochet, and the crafting of traditional wooden doors with intricate plaster engravings typical of old Hail residences. Festival highlights include a Hijazi village exhibit, alongside live demonstrations of...
Post a Comment
Read more