Draft:Beccy Barr
Submission declined on 23 July 2024 by SafariScribe (talk). This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
| ![]() |
Beccy Barr (c. 1977 – 2024) was a British television presenter and firefighter, best known for her work with BBC North West Tonight and her subsequent career with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Beccy Barr was born in Lancaster, England. She began her career in journalism at the Blackpool Citizen in her early 20s. She later worked for Bloomberg News and CNBC in New York before returning to the UK to join BBC North West Tonight in 2013. Barr also pursued higher education in disaster management, obtaining an MSc from Bournemouth University's Disaster Management Centre.[2]
Career
[edit]Television
[edit]Barr's journalism career was marked by her role as a presenter on BBC North West Tonight, where she became a well-known face in regional news broadcasting. Her tenure with the BBC showcased her versatility and commitment to delivering news with integrity and insight.
Firefighting
[edit]In 2019, Barr made a significant career change, leaving her successful role at the BBC to train as a firefighter with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Her decision was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in her community. She served with the Red Watch in Blackburn, where she followed in her father's footsteps, who had spent approximately 20 years in the same fire service.[3]
Achievements and impact
[edit]Barr was recognized for her dedication and courage both as a journalist and as a firefighter. Her commitment to firefighting was noted by Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer, Justin Johnston, who praised her professionalism and passion.[3]She achieved a distinction in her firefighting apprenticeship and was known for her enthusiasm and positive impact on her colleagues and the service.
Personal life
[edit]Outside of her professional life, Barr was active in the community. She led a Rainbow unit for Girlguiding at St Paul's Church in Scotforth and was an avid participant in triathlons, including IronmanUK and other long-distance events.
Barr was also a devoted mother to her daughter, Hannah, whom she cherished deeply.
Illness and death
[edit]In 2023, Barr was diagnosed with incurable abdominal cancer. Despite her illness, she continued to inspire those around her with her resilience and bravery. She passed away peacefully in the morning of July 22, 2024, at the age of 46.[4]
Tributes
[edit]Following her death, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and the public. Annabel Tiffin, a former colleague at North West Tonight, described Barr as "a feisty, fearless woman," while Roger Johnson praised her courage and dedication. Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith and former BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern also paid tribute to her impactful life and career.
References
[edit]- ^ McLaughlin, Charlotte (2024-07-22). "BBC newsroom was 'in awe' of presenter who became firefighter before death at 46". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ "BBC newsroom was 'in awe' of presenter who became firefighter before death at 46". The Independent. 2024-07-22. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ a b "Beccy Barr: Former BBC TV presenter and firefighter dies". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ "Beccy Barr: Former BBC presenter was 'full of energy, full of life, full of zest'". BBC News. 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2024-07-26.