AROUND two thousand pounds has been raised following a broadcasting first for local station Hailsham FM.
Presenter Wayne Spicer has completed his 24-hour Radiothon show to not only celebrate his 400th show with the station, but also to raise money for the station itself and You Raise Me Up.
He started the broadcast at 8pm on Saturday night (25th May) and presented a non-stop show with local guests, musicians, bands and people who have made his show possible for the past eight years.
The studio in St. Mary’s Walk was a hive of activity with constant visitors over the 24-hour period including a lot of laughter, memories and live music.
It was all to raise vital funds for the Polegate-based charity, You Raise Me Up, which supports families who have suffered the loss of a young person aged 16-25 years. It is based in East Sussex and supports families from East & West Sussex and Kent.
The money raised will be split between You Raise Me Up and Hailsham FM, the volunteer-led station which broadcasts in the town on FM and online.
The show also saw around 50 members of Hailsham Voices sing a number of songs in the sunshine in St. Mary’s Walk, and a stunning personal performance from choir-leader Abbie Marsden, who sung You Raise Me Up, to honour the local charity.
An emotional Wayne Spicer said: “Everyone here at Hailsham FM has pulled together to make this happen and I’m so grateful for their support. I’ve lived in Hailsham 12 years now, and I’ve never lived in a town which has such an amazing community spirit.”
The event also launched Hailsham Hero, a new initiative to recognise local people who help and support causes in the town.
