Radio Duo To Host Radio Marathon For Charity

A presenting duo are preparing themselves for a 52 hour radio marathon in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Joshua Collins (16) and Adam Stewart (17), who host the ‘Late Night Urban Beatz’ and the ‘Weekly Top 40’ on Calon FM will begin their stint on air at 10am on April 2.

The radio duo decided to organise the event after their high school headteacher was diagnosed with cancer during their final year in Rhosnesni school.

“He’s one of them guys;  I wasn’t the best in school and he was my mentor. He is was one of those overall nice guys,” said Josh.

“We wanted to do something really huge and exciting that would involve the whole community raising money for a great cause. Sadly, my old head teacher got seriously ill and we told him we would do this for him too. We chose the Teenage Cancer Trust as he works with students all day, every day.”

“It gives teenagers the chance to do stuff that they normally do,” said Adam.

“With Teenage Cancer Trust everyone in the ward is suffering a similar illness so you can talk to them and help each other, otherwise you’re on a ward with people with other illnesses.”

The Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer aged between 13 and 24. It funds and builds specialist units within NHS hospitals bringing young people together so they can be treated together by teenage cancer experts, in the best place for them. It aims to provide every young person with cancer to have access to this specialist support, regardless of where they live.

The duo, who are hoping to raise over £1000 for the charity, were inspired to conduct their own radio marathon after Josh’s idol, Chris Moyles completed a similar event for Comic Relief in 2011.

Adam: “Josh has always wanted to do something big on the radio. Originally I thought 30 hours would be our max.

“He did 52 so we will, although Josh wanted to do 53 and beat him. We did want to see if we could break a world record.”

“I contacted The Guinness Book Of Records, and the record for community radio station is currently 72 hours,” said Josh.

“We’re happy with 52 hours, we’re only 16  and 17 so it’s going to be tough.”

Despite regularly hosting two radio shows a week on Calon FM, the pair are both anxious about the lack of sleep they will both get over the course of the 52 hours.

“I think about 4am the tiredness will hit. We’ve got a busy day and we’ve got things to fill, but middle of morning.” said Adam.

Josh said: “We’re going to have a maximum hour break at a time for sleep or shower. I’d rather have a shower than sleep.”

Over the course of the 52 hours, the teenagers are aiming to keep the event as community based as possible by inviting in local business and musicians to keep them company.

They will also be having food donated by local suppliers to keep energy and morale levels up. Over the two and a quarter days food supplies will be donated by Wrexham based La Baguette, Bistro Imagina and Nando’s.

Regional Fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust, Sian Day said “This is a unique event and it is very exciting to be involved. As an organisation we are solely reliant on voluntary donations and so I hope the local community really get behind Josh and Adam in this incredible feat.”

Listeners can donate online through the Calon FM Marathon Show fundraising page on JustGiving (www.justgiving.com/calonfmmarathonshow) or send cheques to Calon FM, Plas Coch Road, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW. For fundraising ideas, go to www.calonfm.com or contact them on 01978 293393.

Further details can be found at www.calonfm.com by clicking on the ‘Teenage Cancer Trust Banner’.