A highly-respected former journalist has died after a battle with cancer.

Kevin Gearey was a familiar presence on television and radio as a BBC sports correspondent.

The 66-year-old passed away at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, this morning.

The dad-of-three worked for the corporation for more than three decades, leaving in 2011.

He recently spoke to KentOnline from his hospital bed about his fears of contracting coronavirus.

The Rochester resident was admitted with a chest infection and found himself close to a Covid-infected patient.

The keen Spurs fan was married to fellow journalist Nicola Jordan, who works for the Medway Messenger.

Earlier this year they celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary with a trip to Greece.

However, we reported how they were caught up in a massive storm.

Speaking to the BBC, where he now works as a sports correspondent, Mr Gearey's son Paddy paid tribute.

He said: "Dad was always proud of working for the BBC and made a great many friends there.

"He was amazing and we will miss him terribly but we all have so many brilliant memories of him."

As well as Nicola and Paddy, he leaves behind son Jack, daughter Jessica and three grandchildren.

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