A volunteer who has dedicated 30 years to keeping patients and staff entertained at Royal Blackburn Hospital is set to retire.
John Shepherd, 78, has been giving up his time since 1995 to DJ on the hospital's radio station, and later this month is set to call it a day alongside co-host Adam Davey, 32, who has been at the station for 11 years.
John arrived at what was the old Park Lee Hospital and was introduced to a small studio, where the windows rattled in the wind.
After some training, John was allowed to do his own programme.
A few years later, the Radio Hospitals team moved to a new studio at what is now Royal Blackburn Hospital.
They purchased a new computer system, meaning they were able to put new music onto the system.
John did one programme a week at the time, a mix of Jazz, Soul and Blues.
When Adam joined the Radio Hospital’s team in 2014, John increased his programme to three days a week, and over the years both John and Adam have worked with many people.
The radio provides a unique and tailored broadcasting service to aid the recovery of patients within the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
It also broadcasts on the internet so patients who are looking to recover at home will still be able to listen.
The radio covers Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley and surrounding areas.
The radio is a self-funded charity organisation and sources income from sponsors and local businesses who donate money.
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John said he has always tried to stick to the hospital’s aim of bringing relief to the patients.
John said: “It has been a great time in my life and has given me a chance to both entertain and bring enjoyment to the patients.
"I would like to thank both the NHS and Radio Hospitals Blackburn for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
John and Adam’s final programme will be on Thursday, October 30, from 10am to 3pm.
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