Local Ukulele band holding charity concert to help save Southport & Ormskirk Hospital Radio Station

Local ukulele band to host charity concert in support of Southport and Ormskirk hospital radio station.

MadUkes, a local ukulele band, is hosting a heartwarming charity concert to raise much-needed funds for the Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust hospital radio station.

Taking place on Saturday, 21st March at 7pm at Maghull Community Association on Green Lane, the event promises a night of lively music, fun, and community spirit.

The radio station, which relies entirely on donations to stay on the air, plays a vital role in keeping hospital patients entertained and connected with the outside world, broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Funds raised from the concert will help ensure that the station can continue providing its much-loved service, offering music, interviews, and entertainment to those on the wards.

The hospital radio station is a registered charity run by volunteers that began life as Radio Ormskirk General in 1979 and only played for two hours a night.

Now, several decades and four studios later, the station is live at both hospital sites right round the clock using the name Radio Heartbeat.

Station manager and MadUkes band member, Bill Jarvis, said: “Hospital radio is a lifeline for patients, we often hear how much it's lifted their spirits, either hearing their name mentioned or a song they love.

"I'm thrilled to be joined by my band mates in supporting such an important cause. We hope our concert will help keep this valuable resource alive.”

MADUkes is a large Ukulele group that meet and play in Maghull every Friday night, playing a range of songs spanning from the 1950s to modern day classics.

Tickets for the concert are £5 and are available to purchase on the door or by calling 07816881298. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the hospital radio station.