Legendary commentator Murray Walker has been diagnosed with mild form of cancer.
The 89-year-old confirmed he has cancer of the lymphatic system, which was diagnosed during tests that were a result of a fall last month in which he broke his pelvis during a river cruise on the Rhine in Germany.
The unmistakable ‘voice of motor racing’, who retired from full-time commentary in 2001, told BBC Sport: “They’ve caught it incredibly early. It’s treatable, the doctors say my condition is mild and I’m very hopeful.”
He is to undergo a programme of chemotherapy over the next few months in an attempt to cure the disease, and has been cancelled his plans to attend the forthcoming British Grand Prix and Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Thousands of tributes were posted online and via social media shortly after the news was released.
F1 Journalist Maurice Hamilton posted on Twitter: “Thoughts go out to Murray Walker, blood tests during recovery from fall injury showing he has cancer – which is treatable.”
James Allen, a former ITV F1 colleague, wished him a speedy recovery by saying: “His mother lived to over 100 and the veteran commentator always used to say when we were on the road that you can absteem from smoking and drinking as much as you like (both of which he avoided), but if you don’t have good genes then you’re sunk.”
Sky Sports F1’s David Croft said on Twitter: “To Murray, THE voice of F1, as speedy a recovery as possible my friend. Silverstone won’t be the same without you this year, thinking of you”
In a message that has been re-tweeted by almost 10,000 Twitter users, former BBC F1 presenter Jake Humphrey commented: “Get Well Murray Walker! How about you all RT this & I’ll email him tonight to tell him how much support is out there?”
BBC F1 editor Mark Wilkin told BBC Sport: “I spoke with Murray this afternoon and it’s good to hear he’s in good spirits. Our thoughts are with him and we’re all really hopeful he can make a full recovery.”
Walker’s long association with motorsport broadcasting began in 1949 when he commentated on the British Grand Prix for radio, but it was not until the 1970s that the sport was widely covered on television.
He was a member of the BBC Grand Prix team from 1978 to 1996, working alongside the likes of James Hunt, Sir Jackie Stewart and Jonathan Palmer in the commentary box.
It is not just Formula 1 that Walker is associated with. He cites motorcycling as his first love and commentated on the Isle of Man TT for BBC radio alongside his father Graham for many years. He also voiced the BBC’s coverage of motorcycle Grands Prix.
In addition to F1 and motorcycling, Walker’s also covered hillclimbing, rallycross, speedway, motocross and touring cars during his incredible 60-year commentary career.
After F1 rights switched across to ITV for 1997, Walker moved to channel to partner Martin Brundle. He retired from his full-time post at ITV after the 2001 United States Grand Prix, but made a one-off comeback in 2007 at the European Grand Prix for BBC Radio 5 live.
Walker’s voice remains synonymous with the sport to all generations of Formula 1 fans worldwide, despite having retired from his full-time position almost 12 years ago, a sign of his enduring popularity and admiration.
CLICK HERE to read a selection of Murray Walker’s famous quotes
SOTB sends its best wishes to Murray and hopes he makes a speedy recovery.
