Alan Shearer opens hospital station Radio Tyneside

Mar 9 2010 by Helen Rae, The Journal

FOOTBALL legend Alan Shearer was all smiles when he officially opened the new premises of an award-winning hospital radio station.

Radio Tyneside broadcasts to patients in many of the North East’s leading hospitals, including Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary and Gateshead’s Queen Elizabeth.

The station’s studios were initially based at Newcastle’s General Hospital but moved to new premises in North Terrace, near Claremont Road, Newcastle, more than a year ago. And yesterday former Newcastle United star Shearer was delighted to unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the £60,000 relocation.

Alistair Baker, who presents Radio Tyneside’s Sunday Supplement show with Cara Hall, said: “It was fantastic Alan gave his time to officially open the new premises of the station. It was a kind of endorsement from a local hero – it was very symbolic.

“He also gave an in-depth interview in which he talked about his career, his charity work, this year’s World Cup, stories about Kevin Keegan and becoming a key supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

Radio Tyneside is a charitable organisation that runs 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

It exists thanks to the team of dedicated volunteers who take time to provide a service of music, sport, news, features and football commentaries.

The station began on October 6, 1951, when three enterprising men started the hospital radio by commentating on the football match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanders, especially for patients in the Royal Victoria Infirmary.