BBC Essex host Dave Monk has passed away at 72 following a battle with cancer. He spent over 40 years as a DJ on the local radio station.
Known as David Travis, Dave disclosed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2024. The acting director of production at BBC Local, Robert Thompson, hailed Dave as the “voice of Essex.”
Thompson praised Dave, stating, “From being a solicitor to a broadcaster, Dave excelled in various roles and inspired us to seize every opportunity that came our way.” Dave hosted programs on BBC Essex for 37 years before retiring in 2023.
Having joined the station at its inception in November 1986, Dave conducted interviews with prominent figures like Sir Tony Blair, Sir Paul McCartney, and Dame Vera Lynn.
Apart from radio, Dave was actively engaged in events like the Dunmow Flitch Trials and Essex Book Festival. The festival is organizing a commemoration of his memoirs titled ‘Whatever Happened to Dave Monk?’ next year.
Ros Green, the festival’s director, described Dave as a “passionate, enthusiastic, caring individual” who had a deep concern for Essex and its residents.
Beyond his radio career, Dave co-owned a wine company for several years and practiced as a qualified solicitor, managing his law firm.
Fans have flooded social media with tributes to Dave, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at @BBCEssex.
Benjamin Murphy, a councilman from Bishopsgate, mourned Dave’s passing, acknowledging his support for various campaigns over the years. Murphy reminisced about his first on-air interview with Dave at the age of 15, highlighting Dave’s ability to ease anxiety and foster friendly conversations.
In November, after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, Dave spoke to the BBC, stating, “I’m not afraid of death, but I would have preferred it to come later.”
Despite enduring 12 rounds of chemotherapy and undergoing surgeries to remove parts of his pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, and stomach, the cancer persisted. In his final update in November, Dave revealed that the last round of stereotactic radiotherapy had not been successful.
Dave sadly shared, “Unfortunately, we received news that [the radiotherapy] was ineffective.” The cancer had advanced to his pancreas, lungs, liver, and other parts of his body. Dave acknowledged that medical interventions had reached their limit, and he was receiving care at Farleigh Hospice during the final stages.
For confidential cancer support, individuals can reach out to the Macmillan Support Line at 0808 808 0000.