Through the night

On Saturday 14th November, Rick will broadcast a bumper edition of his Film, Music and Beyond show throughout the night, 8pm to 8am. The 12 hour marathon will include interviews with his St Helena Hospice colleagues to showcase the range of support the team offers to people living with a life-limiting condition across north east Essex, which he hopes will inspire people to donate to the charity to help it continue its vital work.

Rick has worked at the Hospice for more than a decade and knows what it means to local people, but in December last year he experienced hospice care from a personal view when his father, Ian Armstrong, was admitted. Ian was diagnosed with bowel cancer which metastasised and his condition deteriorated. Rick remembers when his father arrived at the Hospice:

“He was very confused due to the illness and we really thought this was the end. But for that brief period of time he was there, we had dad back. Miraculously, the confusion had gone and the specialist medical team, staff and the nurses turned things around, I was just amazed. My dad’s a film buff like I am, he loves his music and it was great to have those sorts of conversations with him again. My little sister had a baby and it was great that my dad could see his granddaughter.

“He was there for about two weeks and it was his decision to come home and the team organised Hospice in the Home. Sadly, five days later, just before Christmas, he died peacefully in his sleep. He wasn't in any pain, he was very comfortable and I can't thank the Hospice enough for the work they did. 

“I'm very, very proud to work for this organisation.”

Colne Radio broadcasts on 106.6 FM across Colchester, Brightlingsea, St Osyth, Rowhedge and Alresford and you can listen online at colneradio.net