A-List celebrities and superstar DJs joined forces with local hospital radio stations to thank health and care workers across Warrington and Halton for the boundless resilience and compassion they have shown in combating Covid-19.
Using video conferencing software and online broadcast channels, DJs from Radio General (Warrington Hospital) and Radio Halton (Halton Hospital) presented in tandem with some of radio’s biggest names, thanks to the partnership between Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WHH) and Soho Radio
Lauren Laverne’s lunchtime double-headed show with Eileen Kelly was one of the highlights of a packed 12 hour schedule, which delivered a dozen interviews with hospital staff, care teams and volunteers – sharing their experience of dealing with the pandemic.
Global superstars sent in special performances and messages of support. Robbie Williams, Liam Gallagher, KT Tunstall and Katie Melua were among those giving thanks, while former Blue Peter star, Celebrity Masterchef contestant and Sky Sports presenter Ayo Akinwolere shared the airwaves with Radio General’s David Birch.
James Blunt’s specially recorded performance of his hit Monsters was one of the most moving elements of the marathon broadcast, which was closed with an hour of music from Legendary DJ Norman Jay MBE.
Soho Radio’s fantastic production team helped attract some of the star names and managed the complicated live link-ups between Warrington, London and guests located around the world.
The whole 12 hour event was broadcast live on:
· Radio General’s (Warrington Hospital Radio) online radio station www.radiogeneral.co.uk
· Radio General and Radio Halton’s normal hospital networks and PA systems
· Soho Radio’s online digital radio station Home – Soho Radio (sohoradiolondon.com)
Dr Alex Crowe, Medical Director of WHH is excited by the project: “What an incredibly inspiring day for our staff and a massively rewarding day for everyone involved in creating the broadcast.
Huge thanks to both of our hospital radio stations, Soho Radio and everyone in the local health and care system who contributed. Thanks also to all the celebrities who gave their time and expertise for free to get behind NHS and Social Care workers in our area.
All the staff I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
Keith Inman and Derek Gates from our Hospital radio stations were proud to be involved “Both radio stations were delighted to take such an active role and all our presenters had a great time working with some of the best broadcasters in the country.
“We were keen to work more closely with the Trust and recognise the incredible work of the staff. This brilliant and unique broadcast was the perfect way to give everyone a real boost.”
