BBC presenter Qasa Alom has opened up on his recent health battle after battling illness during Wimbledon.
The rising star, who hosted the BBC’s Today at Wimbledon show, posted an emotional message on Instagram revealing a difficult few weeks that saw him rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
He did not provide details on what exactly the issue was, but said it had escalated after he had put off going to see a medical professional.
Qasa said: “I can’t say the last few weeks have been easy…
“Ever since the middle of Wimbledon I’ve been battling my body with a health issue.
“I put off getting proper medical care because I just did not want to miss The Championships (error). Eventually it became too much & escalated.
“Thankfully the NHS have been brilliant in giving me the care I needed.”
He described the incident as a “real wake up call” and warned his followers to not put off seeking help if needed as it “will completely knock you for six”.
Qasa, who replaced Clare Balding as host of the BBC’s daily highlights show in 2003, added: “Respect your body and its limitations. We only have one.
“Grateful to my family for helping me through a difficult period & now the road to recovery.”
Qasa shared pictures of his time at the hospital and during his journey to hospital on his post.
Originally from Birmingham, Qasa joined the BBC in 2010 working for local radio before going on to win a Frank Gillard Award for his coverage for Radio 4 about Stoke-on-Trent’s illegal sex trade.
He made his BBC1 debut in 2016 before directing a film for the broadcaster in 2017.
Qasa was named Radio Presenter of the Year in 2020 in the Asian Media Awards for his work on BBC Asian Network.
He covered The Boat Race and 2022 Commonwealth Games in his hometown of Birmingham before taking on the role as BBC’s flagship daily tennis highlights presenter for Wimbledon in 2023.
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