Special thanks to doctors and DJs

PRIDE in Oldham nominees Radio Cavell. From left, Kent Wells (chairman), Dave McGealey and Carole Royle

A HOSPITAL radio station has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by a woman whose life was saved by Royal Oldham medical staff.

Radio Cavell has been nominated by Chronicle reader Christine James, who spent two weeks in hospital last year, recovering after collapsing with an ulcer and blood clot.

Mrs James (62) of Crompton Street, Oldham, praised the hospital's medical staff and the radio station for their service to patients.

She said: "I spent two weeks in hospital in 2015 recovering after my collapse. During my time in bed I listened to Radio Cavell. The radio station plays lovely music and requests, and it just cheers you up. The radio volunteers also visited the ward, asking for requests, and I made a request which I dedicated to the endoscopy department and ward G2. I had nearly died and I wanted to thank the hospital for saving my life.

Mrs James added: "This September, my daughter, Caroline Howard, was married at St James' Church in Derker. I walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. We then had a reception at St Anne's Rugby Club. It was lovely to be able to see Caroline getting married and I was so grateful to be alive. It was very special.

"I still listen to Radio Cavell at home and I still make requests. They really deserve an award for the service they provide."

Radio Cavell is run by volunteers and is understood to have been the country's first hospital broadcasting service.

Kent Wells, Radio Cavell chairman, said: "We feel very privileged to have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award. Our mission statement is to help patients in hospital. They are at the heart of what we do. There is a lot of competition for our listeners from alternative stations, so it's really nice to know our broadcasting is appreciated through being nominated for an award."

He said the station has around 25 volunteers who provide a range of programmes from request shows to football and rugby commentaries.