Erewash Sound presenter Richard Dawson* has completed an epic challenge of spending over 50 hours on air with a sponsored broadcast, live on air from the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton.
He began his marathon radio show on Sunday 25th February at 8am with his usual Sunday Breakfast Show, but remaining on-air until 12noon on Tuesday 27th February - well over 50 hours on-air with only short power naps but plenty of useful support, help and advice along the way!
Raising money for and awareness of local groups and initiatives (Everyone Eats and Hope Long Eaton) as well as for Erewash Sound (a non-profit making social enterprise), Richard was joined by fellow Erewash Sound presenters and guests throughout with a focus on the impact of preventing isolation through community and belonging.
Speaking about his marathon broadcast with Paul Stacey on the Erewash Sound Breakfast show broadcast on Friday 26th January, Richard said: “I do a lot of work in the community and one of the biggest things I see that impacts on a lot of people is loneliness and isolation. Erewash Sound has always been big on building community connections and I’m passionate about what the radio station can do to support that, so, as a random idea – I don’t even know where it came from – I have decided to do a 52 hour radiothon at the end of February, which means I’ll probably get very little sleep!”
“Already, we’ve got 25 guests signed up that are going to be coming in throughout the 50+ hours, including community groups that look at mental health, around isolation, loneliness and belonging, so it is all about community, and with the theatre open except from between midnight and 7am, people can come in, have a cuppa, and see live radio as it happens, but also, we’ve got a couple of events to draw people in to see groups perform that revolve around community, and there is an 80s night and a party night too.
The more I speak about it, the more real it becomes, which is just a little bit worrying, but there is such a need out there for community belonging. I talk to a lot of people who are struggling with mental health and you can even feel lonely in a crowded place, so what we want to do is highlight that, and highlight groups that can help that people can connect with.
“Erewash Sound is a big information provider. The amount of e-mails that we had during lockdown for example - and ever since - that said that the radio station was their lifeline to the World out there - we need to highlight that too.”
Based in the Duchess Theatre, there will be regular access for members of the public to visit the theatre, watch events and activities as they happen, and take part in a number of opportunities being created for specific shows that you can buy tickets for.
Taking part in the Radiothon were:
- Riverside Drama Group
- Long Eaton Park Run
- Long Eaton Carnival
- Erewash Musical Society Youth Group
- Erewash Musical Society
- Gatepost Musical Society
- Safe Families
- Long Eaton School Performing Arts dept.
- Acoustic night with Chris, Dave & Beth
- Welcome on Wednesdays
- Erewash Voluntary Services
There have been a number of opportunities to buy tickets for special shows throughout the Radiothon.
Whilst the Duchess Theatre was closed overnight, at all other times there was no charge to go and be part of the live radio shows but there was an opportunity to sponsor Richard and give a donation and, subject to availability, purchase some refreshments.
* = (NB: What Richard didn't officially say is that, one of the reasons he is doing this is to mark his 50th birthday!
On our Listen Again service:
- Richard launched his fundraising exploits in discussion with Paul Stacey on the Breakfast Show on Friday 26th January.
- Richard returned to the Breakfast Show on Friday 2nd February to get help on nutrition for his radiothon, and does he need to give up coffee - of all things?
- On a further appearance on Friday 9th February, Richard heard from wellbeing coach Jo Bibby about the benefits of exercise and movement.
- Next, in his fourth pre-Radiothon breakfast show slot, Richard spoke with Paul about family and community.
Click the relevant play button below.
Erewash Sound · Paul & Richard launch the Radiothon on the ES Breakfast Show
Erewash Sound · Richard Dawson needs to give up coffee and cake for 50 hour Radiothon