Touching tributes have been paid to a much-loved Hospital Radio Plymouth volunteer, who filled the hospital with wartime classics.

Connal Cather, who has been described as a "true legend", passed away on November 18 at the age of 97.

He joined the station in the 1970s and over the years worked with many other volunteers on his Nostalgia Time show, which played hits from the 20s, 30s and 40s.

Connal was awarded the Honorary Membership of Hospital Radio Plymouth in recognition of his ongoing dedication to the charity.

In 2008 he was the recipient of the Hospital's Broadcasting Association's John Whitney Award, given to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to hospital radio over a period of years.


Station Manager Keith Jolley said: “Connal was a true legend.

"Over the years, many new members started out as a production assistant on his show.

"Although dealing with music made way before they were born and which they were unfamiliar with, they came to enjoy the music and the warm style of Connal’s presentation.”

Hospital Radio Plymouth president Andrew Hill delivered the eulogy at Connal’s funeral, and said: “Connal's dedication to hospital radio and his enthusiasm for his programmes was remarkable. He was an inspiration to us all.

"We shall be forever grateful for the chance meeting he had in a pub on the Barbican with station founder Jimmie Constable in 1970, which was the catalyst for him taking up such an enduring involvement with hospital radio and presenting programmes enjoyed by so many over the decades.”

Josh Andrews, who now presents a show for Capital FM South Wales, said: “Connal was the very first presenter to trust me to produce his programme and what an honour it was.

"He was a really lovely man, full of warmth, patience and encouragement. My earliest radio memories are of working for him and learning from a true radio great.”

Hospital Radio Plymouth has been serving the community for 50 years, visiting patients, collecting requests and broadcasting to Derriford Hospital and its offshoots.

Run exclusively by volunteers, the charity has overcome a series of challenges over the decades, including changes in technology, several moves and constant fundraising to keep the station on air.

Any donations can be made to the Royal British Legion here.