By Jenna Richards

A massive £600 pounds was raised for Phonic FM as one DJ took to the airwaves for 25 consecutive hours.

Lee Rawlings’ marathon effort, praised by listeners, presenters and directors, provided some fantastic, interesting and varied programming whilst raising money for Exeter’s sound alternative.

Lee was supported throughout the broadcast by one guest DJ each hour and the pounds came flooding in.

Speaking after the programme and a small amount of sleep Lee thanked everyone involved.

“With over 60 Djs, guests and bands to control for a day and a bit you all made my challenge a lot of fun and a lot less daunting that I had originally feared,” he said.

“Big up to all who supported me, wrote in, supplied me with food, hugs, dancing, jokes, slaps, drinks and voices for the radio.

“But more than that, well done to all of those DJs who brought in shed loads of cash from their sponsors of tracks, it would have been pointless without your input.

He added: “Also a big thanks to the band The Thorvertones for BUSKING in the street in the blazing sun in Edwardian undertakers outfits and raising £90 for us.”

But the real hero of each of the 25 hours was Lee.

Martin Hodge from the Roots and Shoots show took part in the broadcast. Speaking afterwards he praised Lee’s efforts saying: “Lee did an amazing job. Not only did he initiate, organise and pull off a great fundraising venture but he also managed to pull together the many strands of Phonic FM into one whole, and in a way I have never experienced before.

“I found myself listening to people who, I must admit, I don’t always persevere with because it was part of one big Phonic thing and because it was riveting listening. I suspect other listeners had a similar experience.

“It was an incredible achievement that we should all, but especially Lee, be proud of.

Programming director Aaron Hornibrook added: “Lee, you are now officially a legend. Hopefully you will now sleep for a week and dream up another brilliant fundraising idea. Respect is due.”

Phonic FM chairman Dave Treharne said Lee’s fundraising effort was a ‘massive boost’ to the ongoing development of the station.

“Lee has encapsulated what Phonic FM is about, providing an alternative to other radio stations in the area, and doing so with style, humour, aplomb and a great deal of support from the Phonic community.

“His efforts are much appreciated by the directors, but also by the listeners, friends and supporters of the station,” he said.

Phonic FM secretary Patrick Cunningham described the mammoth broadcast as ‘unmissable radio’.

“Lee’s efforts were not just a great success in terms of raising money but also for the way the marathon brought a real buzz to the station, reflecting the diverse range of its output in a really exciting way. It was really unmissable radio,” he said.

Patrick said the £600 raised would be put toward the ‘studio improvements’.

All pictures used in this piece are by Christopher Wilson.

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