Tony Blackburn hosts his first ever hospital radio show

Ahead of Radio 2 in the Park this weekend, Tony Blackburn hosted a special show on Preston Hospital Radio.

It came about after Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, who is in Preston for the event, hosted a Breakfast slot on the Royal Preston Hospital’s radio station.

He spoke to Scott Mills on air during the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show and mentioned that the hospital station was short of a DJ for that afternoon’s 2-4pm slot. Scott agreed to ask around to see if anyone he knew could fill-in.

After making a few calls, Scott managed to get Tony Blackburn to agree to host the show. Talking with Scott on air, Tony said: “It is a yes, yes I can. I’ve never done hospital radio in my life before, but I would look forward to it and, you know, I was in hospital last year and everything they did for me there, I think it’s the least I can do. A bit of payback!”

Tony spent the two hours presenting on Preston Hospital Radio playing requests for patients in the hospital.

After the show, Tony said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do and I know how important hospital radio is to the patients and their families, so it was my absolute pleasure to present a show on Royal Preston Hospital Radio.

“It was an honour to read out their messages and play the songs that will brighten their day ahead of Radio 2 in the Park this weekend.”

Silas Nicholls, chief executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Hospital Radio volunteers at Royal Preston Hospital provide a fantastic service, lifting the spirits of patients, families and staff, and it was great to host Richie Anderson and the legendary Tony Blackburn.

“To have them step in and assist with our shows was a fantastic surprise for all, ahead of what is set to be an exciting weekend for BBC Radio 2 in Preston.”