Portsmouth volunteer Hospital Radio presenter thought it was scam when given BEM in Kings Birthday Honours
Hospital Radio presenter has been “putting smiles on faces” for 27 years
A volunteer Hospital Radio presenter said he thought it was a scam when he found out he had been honoured with a Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM).
Neil Blanks, who has been dedicated to “putting a smile on faces” for 27 years, was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Hospital Radio in Gosport and Portsmouth.
But the 61-year-old told The News he thought it was a joke when he opened a letter informing him of the honour. “I must confess, I thought it was a scam. I had to ring them up to find out it wasn’t,” he said.
“I did my show and there was a letter in the letterbox and I opened it. It said I had a BEM for services to Hospital Radio. I was shocked. I had no inkling it was coming.”
The Southsea broadcaster, who delivers a twice-weekly show for Queen Alexandra Hospital Radio, revealed he still has no idea why he was given the accolade - or who put him forward. “I assume someone put my name forward but I’ve no idea how I got this. It’s a mystery,” he said.
“I’ve covered a number of events such as Lord Mayor inaugurations and done interviews with people like Gerald Vernon-Jackson (former Portsmouth City Council leader) and Donna Jones (police and crime commissioner) so maybe someone put me forward.”
Mr Blanks BEM started out in his volunteer role for Hospital Radio at Radio Haslar until 2015, with him being at QA Radio since then. “We do it for the patients in hospital. We want to put a smile on their faces,” he said.
“We want to help the patients get better. Hopefully I play the type of music they like to hear. If someone requests something then I play it. ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra is the most popular request I get.”
He added: “Patients love Hospital Radio. We’re like their family when they do not turn up. It makes me proud.”
The show is on twice a week on a Wednesday and a Friday with the former having a focus on music and the latter more about interviews and news.