7th January 2020

£2500 donation is a major boost for YHR fundraising appeal

The volunteer broadcasters of York Hospital Radio are celebrating after receiving a donation of £2,500 from the Purey-Cust Trust. 

The radio station is a registered charity and broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to patients in the York Hospital, and can also be heard online. 

York Hospital Radio has begun 2020 by launching an appeal for funds to replace its life-expired studio equipment and computers, and recently applied to the Purey-Cust Trust for a grant towards the appeal. 

York Hospital Radio chairman Ian Clennan said : “In order for us to continue to be able to broadcast and continue our popular programmes for listeners in the York Hospital, we must urgently replace ageing equipment, everything from studios to computers. We estimate we need to raise at least £10,000 in this appeal. 

“I am absolutely delighted that the Purey-Cust Trust have been able to help us with this magnificent donation, which will go towards our total, and help us to replace equipment and computers, and so stay on air as we approach our 60th anniversary.” 

David Heseltine of the Purey-Cust Trust added : “ The Purey-Cust Trust is a York charity looking to aid local people and organisations in areas of health and wellbeing. Supporting York Hospital Radio fits the brief perfectly. 

“As a charity supporting the health and wellbeing of the people of York, the Purey-Cust Trust has been delighted to support these developments with York Hospital Radio". 

Other recent fundraising activities which have contributed to the day running costs of the organisation have included the production of a new magazine; a month as a Charity of the Month in Waitrose in York; a recent fundraising Quiz with Alan Dedicoat which raised £1000; and an event at Murton Village Hall which raised £351. More fundraising is planned for 2020 and beyond, both for the appeal to refurbish the studios, and for the day to day running of the radio station. 

York Hospital Radio broadcasts a unique mix of programmes, from music shows to Outside Broadcasts from a range of local venues; and from York City football commentaries to interviews with local and celebrity guests. 

Ian Clennan added : “We have a long way to go with this appeal, and we are always looking for new members, broadcasters and fundraisers. If anybody can help us in any way, whether by becoming a member of the organisation and helping us to present shows, or assisting behind the scenes, or by directly helping us with fundraising, we would love to hear from them on email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

“We are also looking for companies or organisations who would like to sponsor programmes in return for excellent on-air publicity.”