For 44 years, radio presenter Joe Forster has ruled the hospital airwaves bringing music and joy to generations of patients.
Now the 69-year-old Stansted resident is celebrating after being honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his service, which is entirely voluntary.
Joe, of Gilbey Crescent, presents a one-hour request show every Tuesday evening to three hospitals – the Royal Free London, North Middlesex and Chase Farm in Enfield – on behalf of Royal Free Radio, and has no plans to stop any time soon.
He said news of the community award, handed out by Enfield Council, had delighted him and his family, including partner Sheila and two sons, Duncan and Warren. He was awarded his certificate and a medal at a ceremony last week along with other radio colleagues.
“We did an interview afterwards with the Royal Free Charity, which runs the hospital radio, and got to discuss how we felt about getting the awards. We do the job, which is providing music and entertainment for patients, on a daily basis completely voluntarily because we actually love music and that was the common denominator,” said Joe.
“If we can put that love of music to a good use, play songs and talk to patients via the radio then it feels like we are fulfilling something. When I heard I was getting the award I was very pleased. When I explained it to my two sons they were thrilled – it just meant so much to them.”
Having worked in sales for most of his career and then becoming a school transport driver for special needs children before retiring, Joe said turning up to host his show every week from the studio at Chase Farm always offered “something different”.
“It makes the whole thing enjoyable. I have a co-presenter too who presents the second half from 9-10pm so there’s a lot of camaraderie between us all so it’s very sociable as well.
“It’s impossible to say how many people we broadcast to because patients can opt in or out at any time but quite a few would potentially be listening – the station is on air 24/7 with the request shows on weekday evenings.
“The feedback from patients is good. To actually play something for them that has some significance is one thing, but when they hear their name on the radio, as we give them a name check, it makes them feel a bit more human again.”
He added: “I don’t feel like I’ve done 44 years and I am still going!”