Hospital station BHBN Radio is to broadcast an interview with Strictly dancer Lauren Oakley on Bank Holiday Monday as the station looks to raise funds to stay on air.
The interview comes at a critical time for the station, which for over 70 years, since 1952, has been broadcasting to hospital patients and care home residents across Birmingham, Solihull, and now Sandwell.
However, in June BHBN was informed that its long-standing funding was being withdrawn, leaving the station with only three months’ notice and a significant loss of its main income source.
To ensure its work continues and remains on air, BHBN Radio says it urgently needs to raise £15,000 annually to cover its day-to-day operating costs.
It adds that every penny donated directly supports the station’s continued broadcast, allowing it to keep providing comfort, companionship, and entertainment to those in hospital and the wider community.
Meanwhile, the special broadcast on Bank Holiday Monday featuring Birmingham born professional dancer Lauren Oakley talking to presenter Andy Caddick, marks a reunion for the pair, who are old family friends that lost touch a number of years ago.