Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on August 12th, 2026 | return to news

Wimborne Radiothon raises funds for Dorset Hospice

The event in the Square involved presenters from Radio Wimborne in addition to musician Dorset Phil and Cadence Collective choir.

A Radiothon which took place in Wimborne Square has raised funds for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.

Radio Wimborne presenters took turns behind the decks, inviting members of the public to make donations to the Dorset-based children’s hospice in return for hearing their favourite songs and making requests.

It was officially opened by the Mayor Jeff Hart and Town Crier Chris Brown, who had written a special ‘cry’ to celebrate the occasion. Chris is also a presenter on Radio Wimborne, where he is known as Dapper Dan and hosts the station’s popular reggae show.

Veronica Ryder was first on the decks at 10.15am, followed by a lively live performance from musician Dorset Phil, who entertained the growing crowd with his original songs — including his enthusiastic celebration of cider.

Presenters Juli Harman and Daniel Carter followed with their own 45-minute sets, attracting requests and donations from passers-by.

Daniel provided one of the funniest moments of the day when a couple requested a song to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. He announced that they had been married for ‘60 happy years’, only for the lady to respond with a laugh saying: “I didn’t say they had always been happy.”

The Radiothon then went live on air for a three-hour broadcast. Nicky Prior, presenter of the Monday Magazine Show kicked off the live show, keeping the crowd entertained with a selection of funky tunes alongside requests, while also taking photographs, filming and live-streaming the event for the station’s social media.

At 1.45pm, Radio Wimborne’s newest presenter Roseanna Dean took to the decks for her first live station event.

The afternoon culminated in a performance by local singers Cadence Collective, following a final DJ set from Radiothon organiser Simon Fuller, assisted by David Emes.

A team of volunteers worked hard behind the scenes to set up and support the event, including Simon Fuller, David Emes, Jo Toy, Steve White, Steve Richards and Mike Hardy.

The final amount raised for Julia’s House is still being calculated.

A Radio Wimborne spokesperson said: “A huge thank you goes to everyone involved, particularly our presenters, volunteers and technical team, who give so generously of their time. We’re also extremely grateful to the people of Wimborne for supporting the Radiothon and Julia’s House.”