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For Freddie: A Mother's Final Gift to Her Son
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
The inspirational memoir from the founder of the You, Me and the Big C podcast, Rachael Bland. Courageous and life-affirming, this is a mother’s final gift to her son.
My beautiful son, I so wish that I didn’t have to leave you now. But believe me, I tried EVERYTHING I could to stay around for you, and for every moment I could eke out of this life. From the outset, it was not a fair fight. My cancer was too big, and too aggressive, and we didn’t start on a level playing field. You were fourteen months old and at the beginning I was so full of fierce intention that we could get past this. I would lay you in your cot each night and silently communicate from my mind to yours, ‘I will do this Freddie, I will gladly take whatever they throw at me if it means we can stay together’.
In 2016, beloved broadcaster and journalist Rachael Bland was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly afterwards she made the brave decision to share her story, and she spoke with beautiful poignancy through her blog and podcast, You, Me and the Big C.
Having been told that she only had a matter of months left to live and writing this in what were sadly her final days, Rachael brings her warmth, courage and humour to the page in this heart-warming and heart-breaking story. Part memoir, part advice, For Freddie beautifully encapsulates the grace and fearlessness in which Rachael lived her life. This is her legacy and an incredible final gift to her son.
Includes moving contributions from Richard Bacon, Tony Livesey, Emma Barnett, Shelagh Fogarty, Mark Pougatch, Chris Stark and many more.
The inspirational memoir from the founder of the You, Me and the Big C podcast, Rachael Bland. Courageous and life-affirming, this is a mother’s final gift to her son.
My beautiful son, I so wish that I didn’t have to leave you now. But believe me, I tried EVERYTHING I could to stay around for you, and for every moment I could eke out of this life. From the outset, it was not a fair fight. My cancer was too big, and too aggressive, and we didn’t start on a level playing field. You were fourteen months old and at the beginning I was so full of fierce intention that we could get past this. I would lay you in your cot each night and silently communicate from my mind to yours, ‘I will do this Freddie, I will gladly take whatever they throw at me if it means we can stay together’.
In 2016, beloved broadcaster and journalist Rachael Bland was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly afterwards she made the brave decision to share her story, and she spoke with beautiful poignancy through her blog and podcast, You, Me and the Big C.
Having been told that she only had a matter of months left to live and writing this in what were sadly her final days, Rachael brings her warmth, courage and humour to the page in this heart-warming and heart-breaking story. Part memoir, part advice, For Freddie beautifully encapsulates the grace and fearlessness in which Rachael lived her life. This is her legacy and an incredible final gift to her son.
Includes moving contributions from Richard Bacon, Tony Livesey, Emma Barnett, Shelagh Fogarty, Mark Pougatch, Chris Stark and many more.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 21, 2019
50 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 21, 2019
This is a slightly odd book, in the sense that it is, very definitely, as the title says, For Freddie. It's written by Rachael for her son, and that's the overall purpose and function, and in some ways it feels a little odd to be reading it, especially as Freddie is only 3 and therefore won't read it himself for some time. However, it is also the story of one rather incredible lady, who starts off as a fairly normal person, with a normal life and with normal things happening to her. She's undoubtedly good at her job, and it is likely that her death would have been marked by the media in any event because of that. Anyone who was a regular listener would definitely have been terribly sad to hear of it, and her friends and family would be as distraught as they obviously are. And little Freddie would be cruelly left without his mother at a very young age.
However, Rachael also did something rather more because, after the horrible diagnosis of cancer, she didn't just do her utmost to stay on this earth with her loved ones and specifically her little boy and husband, to "put the can into cancer" but she also changed the way people talk about cancer and changed the lives of untold numbers of people by being the driving force behind You, Me and the Big C. It was through her death that I heard about this podcast, and I feel as if I have got to "know" Rachael backwards. I first became aware of her when she died - thinking how terribly sad it was that she had died so young, and my heart breaking over the photos of her little boy and husband. I then investigated the podcasts and began to listen to them - firstly, out of order, picking subjects I wanted to know more about. Then as I went on and began to become more involved with the 3 presenters' lives, listening in order, because each podcast starts with a bit of an update on each of their lives. Obviously, I was listening with the knowledge that Rachael was going to die, and that made them especially poignant. And now, having felt that I got to know her after her death through her sharing of her story, I've read the story of her life as left to her little boy.
On some levels, I felt a little torn. Should I be reading this book? Would Freddie one day mind that we had all read it before him? Would he prefer to keep this precious gift to himself? But obviously that had been considered by Rachael and Steve (her husband) and if they felt not, then who was I to say differently? And the book is carrying on the work Rachael started - her other legacy, besides Freddie, her podcast and the way it is helping people with cancer themselves, their friends and families and indeed those treating it. And, of course, raising vital money for this. And I feel certain that Freddie will be enormously proud of his mummy and what she has done, and proud that his story has helped to carry this on.
It's a good story and well-written. Hard to believe, now that I've listened to her podcasts and know what she was going through. It's funny, poignant and interesting. It is not as desperately sad as I feared it might be. The fact that she died remains incredibly sad, but her life was something worth celebrating. And not just the leaving of it. I'm glad I bought it, and then glad that I did read it.
However, Rachael also did something rather more because, after the horrible diagnosis of cancer, she didn't just do her utmost to stay on this earth with her loved ones and specifically her little boy and husband, to "put the can into cancer" but she also changed the way people talk about cancer and changed the lives of untold numbers of people by being the driving force behind You, Me and the Big C. It was through her death that I heard about this podcast, and I feel as if I have got to "know" Rachael backwards. I first became aware of her when she died - thinking how terribly sad it was that she had died so young, and my heart breaking over the photos of her little boy and husband. I then investigated the podcasts and began to listen to them - firstly, out of order, picking subjects I wanted to know more about. Then as I went on and began to become more involved with the 3 presenters' lives, listening in order, because each podcast starts with a bit of an update on each of their lives. Obviously, I was listening with the knowledge that Rachael was going to die, and that made them especially poignant. And now, having felt that I got to know her after her death through her sharing of her story, I've read the story of her life as left to her little boy.
On some levels, I felt a little torn. Should I be reading this book? Would Freddie one day mind that we had all read it before him? Would he prefer to keep this precious gift to himself? But obviously that had been considered by Rachael and Steve (her husband) and if they felt not, then who was I to say differently? And the book is carrying on the work Rachael started - her other legacy, besides Freddie, her podcast and the way it is helping people with cancer themselves, their friends and families and indeed those treating it. And, of course, raising vital money for this. And I feel certain that Freddie will be enormously proud of his mummy and what she has done, and proud that his story has helped to carry this on.
It's a good story and well-written. Hard to believe, now that I've listened to her podcasts and know what she was going through. It's funny, poignant and interesting. It is not as desperately sad as I feared it might be. The fact that she died remains incredibly sad, but her life was something worth celebrating. And not just the leaving of it. I'm glad I bought it, and then glad that I did read it.
March 31, 2019
Really sad book, but lovely memories for her son to read and making cancer talked about
November 3, 2020
Not an easy read, but very well written
June 24, 2020
Firstly let me start by saying that I think Rachael Bland was a really brilliant radio presenter, and I think her work on 'You, Me and the Big C' was absolutely brilliant. A fantastic podcast, with wit, realism and a real warmth and I'll be honest the Podcast has wobbled massively since her tragic death. She was the real talent of that production and without her it's never really had the same cohesion or interest for me as the listener.
This book, is written for her son and when he grows up I think it will be an unbelievable insight for him into his Mother and her life story. The 'issue' though, is that for me, it really had no interest. It only touches very briefly on her cancer 'journey' (shit word but you know what I mean). Now that may make me sound like a grief tourist but that is the element of her story that I was interested in reading. The rest just wasn't for me. It sounds cruel but for much of the book, I found it fairly dull.
This book, is written for her son and when he grows up I think it will be an unbelievable insight for him into his Mother and her life story. The 'issue' though, is that for me, it really had no interest. It only touches very briefly on her cancer 'journey' (shit word but you know what I mean). Now that may make me sound like a grief tourist but that is the element of her story that I was interested in reading. The rest just wasn't for me. It sounds cruel but for much of the book, I found it fairly dull.
May 18, 2022
What a legacy to leave behind
You know when you finish watching a film, listening to a song, or in this case reading a book and you sit there in silence for a while not knowing what to say or what to think...Thats how I felt after reading this book.
To think that Rachael was going through so much, while at the same time being a strong, brave, courageous, loving wife and mother makes me wonder where she found the strength and the energy to write this - but its obvious that it was her love for Freddie that spurred her on to do just that.
It's heartbreaking to know that Freddie won't have his mummy there throughout his life, but hopefully this book will be some kind of comfort to him where he can learn all about his family, their history and most of all his devoted mummy. The love that Rachael had for Freddie pours out of this book and even though she isn't here anymore that love will never die.
While reading this book at times I felt really, really sad knowing that it wasn't going to have the happy ending that The Blands and The Hodges and all of their family and friends deserved so much.
You know when you finish watching a film, listening to a song, or in this case reading a book and you sit there in silence for a while not knowing what to say or what to think...Thats how I felt after reading this book.
To think that Rachael was going through so much, while at the same time being a strong, brave, courageous, loving wife and mother makes me wonder where she found the strength and the energy to write this - but its obvious that it was her love for Freddie that spurred her on to do just that.
It's heartbreaking to know that Freddie won't have his mummy there throughout his life, but hopefully this book will be some kind of comfort to him where he can learn all about his family, their history and most of all his devoted mummy. The love that Rachael had for Freddie pours out of this book and even though she isn't here anymore that love will never die.
While reading this book at times I felt really, really sad knowing that it wasn't going to have the happy ending that The Blands and The Hodges and all of their family and friends deserved so much.
August 5, 2022
What an incredibly beautiful, well written book. Rachael’s love and dedication to her son, husband and family leaps of the page.
Rachael’s strength, determination and openness in the face of Cancer is truly remarkable and inspiring. To face what must have been one of the most horrific situations to be faced with not only to write this book for her beloved Freddie but to set up the Podcast, opening up with what living with cancer is really like and doing so with such dignity and grace is something to be so unbelievably proud of!!
What a legacy and one I’m sure her Freddie will be so incredibly proud of and to know how much his mummy has helped so many people.
Rachael’s strength, determination and openness in the face of Cancer is truly remarkable and inspiring. To face what must have been one of the most horrific situations to be faced with not only to write this book for her beloved Freddie but to set up the Podcast, opening up with what living with cancer is really like and doing so with such dignity and grace is something to be so unbelievably proud of!!
What a legacy and one I’m sure her Freddie will be so incredibly proud of and to know how much his mummy has helped so many people.
March 7, 2019
Exceeded my expectation because Rachael is a funny, wise, driven & incredible woman who lived a Great Blessed but Real life with a positivity & realism that defies odds! She somehow manages to portray this life as well as her quirks, laughs & big ideas for her 3 year old son all in a style that is uplifting & is a testament to a Mother’s infathomable spirit of love. I truly hope Freddie feels her spirit when he reads it and visits all the Places she mentions when he is Older . A special read. Love her.
April 5, 2020
One of the best autobiography/memoirs I've ever read. Actually, no. The best.
I found Rachael through the every growing cancer community. Actually, a lot of it's growth is owed to her through the podcast she founded... but you can find out more about that in the book.
The title is apt because this book was never for us, not really. It was always for her son. A lot of the time I forgot about that, because she talks in such a chatty way, almost like talking to a friend. But then again it's how my mum talks to me. It's only when she directly addressed Freddie or goes overly motherly that I remember. It's no criticism at all. In fact it makes the book all the more heartwarming.
This is the first autobiography that actually has a final ending. And my God I was in tears. Though Rachael worked in broadcast journalism, if she was still around, she'd have made one hell of a writer.
I found Rachael through the every growing cancer community. Actually, a lot of it's growth is owed to her through the podcast she founded... but you can find out more about that in the book.
The title is apt because this book was never for us, not really. It was always for her son. A lot of the time I forgot about that, because she talks in such a chatty way, almost like talking to a friend. But then again it's how my mum talks to me. It's only when she directly addressed Freddie or goes overly motherly that I remember. It's no criticism at all. In fact it makes the book all the more heartwarming.
This is the first autobiography that actually has a final ending. And my God I was in tears. Though Rachael worked in broadcast journalism, if she was still around, she'd have made one hell of a writer.
January 23, 2024
Very sad read and gut wrenching at times. As this is directly written for Freddie, it sometimes felt like I shouldn't be reading it, like I was reading someones very personal letters and notes. Freddie is very lucky to have had such a strong and loving mother who left behind such a wonderful gift and I hope he lives a happy life.
October 29, 2024
As the title suggests- this book reads very much as though it was solely intended for the authors son. An interesting read but on occasion felt every inch of what it was, a personal memoir. I did not know who the author was as a newsreader or as a creator of the podcast so perhaps if I had followed her story through other mediums, the book wouldn't have felt so personal.
February 24, 2019
Great Read.
What a fantastic book. A mother’s gift to her son. If you have never listened to her podcast, you should take some time to do so. You’ll find laughter and friendship while discussing “The Big C” and hopefully you’ll take those messages into your life.
What a fantastic book. A mother’s gift to her son. If you have never listened to her podcast, you should take some time to do so. You’ll find laughter and friendship while discussing “The Big C” and hopefully you’ll take those messages into your life.
February 28, 2019
Inspirational , a must read for anyone facing cancer or any other disease
The honesty of a Mothers Love shine through . Searingly honest and thankfully not saccharine sweetly sentimental, simply inspirational . The love shines through .
The honesty of a Mothers Love shine through . Searingly honest and thankfully not saccharine sweetly sentimental, simply inspirational . The love shines through .
November 28, 2022
Such a heartbreaking book 💔 I cried such much whilst reading this book. Rachel has left a massive legacy behind her and such a beautiful little boy Freddie. I hope Freddie grows up to be such a amazing young man xx
March 17, 2019
A poignant read
March 29, 2019
A heartbreaking read but admired her so much from afar. It must have been a very difficult book for her to write.
September 1, 2019
Fantastic read
Fantastic heartwarming truly honest book loved every minute of
It a true inspirational lady hope yr very proud Freddie XXX
Fantastic heartwarming truly honest book loved every minute of
It a true inspirational lady hope yr very proud Freddie XXX
September 18, 2020
What a heart breaking book
September 18, 2021
Heartwarming
A beautiful book, full of a mother’s love for her son, full of memories for her son to cherish and explaining her cancer.
A beautiful book, full of a mother’s love for her son, full of memories for her son to cherish and explaining her cancer.
November 20, 2025
Rachael Bland was a BBC journalist and broadcaster who wrote "For Freddie" as a memoir for her young son to read when he grows up. Rachael was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, and she shared her experiences on the successful podcast You, Me and the Big C to raise awareness.
Bland has written this book as a life history for her son, and her use of language and the stories she tells are light, full of joy, and kindness. She shares her family history and her own, building a picture of her likes, dislikes and life lessons.
It is a warm and loving memoir, written with humour and strong feelings of regret and sorrow that she won’t be there to see Freddie grow up and share in his life.
The memoir has hope and tenderness, including a brief diary of Rachael’s cancer treatment. The majority of the book is a detailed account of her romance with Freddie's father, their marriage and how much she loved motherhood.
Bland has written this book as a life history for her son, and her use of language and the stories she tells are light, full of joy, and kindness. She shares her family history and her own, building a picture of her likes, dislikes and life lessons.
It is a warm and loving memoir, written with humour and strong feelings of regret and sorrow that she won’t be there to see Freddie grow up and share in his life.
The memoir has hope and tenderness, including a brief diary of Rachael’s cancer treatment. The majority of the book is a detailed account of her romance with Freddie's father, their marriage and how much she loved motherhood.
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June 22, 2021Rachael Bland wrote this book in the final months of her life for her son Freddie, telling him all about her life.
I couldn't finish this book - I just felt like it was very personal and therefore didn't particularly engage me. I don't know whether if I read on my views would change, I just wasn't engaged enough to continue. However, I think that Rachael was a truly remarkable woman who normalised talking about cancer and dying through her podcast and her blog, and I think this will be a wonderful thing for her son to read one day.
It really pains me to give this book 2 stars, but I just didn't think it added any value to a stranger, in the way it would Rachael's family and friends.
I couldn't finish this book - I just felt like it was very personal and therefore didn't particularly engage me. I don't know whether if I read on my views would change, I just wasn't engaged enough to continue. However, I think that Rachael was a truly remarkable woman who normalised talking about cancer and dying through her podcast and her blog, and I think this will be a wonderful thing for her son to read one day.
It really pains me to give this book 2 stars, but I just didn't think it added any value to a stranger, in the way it would Rachael's family and friends.
November 24, 2019
I put that I finished this book in July, that is in fact a lie. I put this book down in July as my father in law had cancer and I just couldn’t carry on reading it. Well he passed away in August and today 24/11 I picked it back up and finished it. This book is from the heart and I have cried from start to finish. Rachael has a way with words that pours out on the page her love for others and especially her young son Freddie. Totally amazing.
March 14, 2019
Such an amazing book and legacy for her young son Freddie. It read like she was talking to her son and I’m sure when he is old enough to read this it will provide great comfort.
April 17, 2019
Heartbreaking. A treasure for that little man. Wat a brave Mummy she was
September 23, 2019
Such a lovely book for her little boys a very brave lady
May 28, 2020
so moving - but also so fascinating - giving so much of yourself for your son to read when the time is right
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews