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Beloved radio host dies as emotional tributes flood in for 'amazing' presenter
Reach Daily Express | January 23, 2026 12:40 PM CST

Tributes have flooded in for a beloved radio presenter following his death aged 95. Patrick Murphy, from Odsal in Bradford, became one of the oldest radio broadcasters when he took up presenting on St Luke's Hospital Radio Station at the age of 82 in 2012. Patrick, originally from the Curragh in Co Kildare, Ireland, passed away on 27 December 2025. After arriving in London in 1945, Patrick moved to Bradford to work in the engineering trade six years later. He met his wife Doris at the city's Gaiety Club and the couple moved to Odsal after tying the knot. Together, they raised their daughter, Michelle.

Doris sadly died in 1994 after contracting tuberculosis. A keen music fan, Patrick decided to take up presenting on St Luke's Sound after getting bored with retirement. He said: "In 2012, I was a bit bored and I saw a story in the paper advertising for new DJs to help run programmes at hospital radio. I thought, 'That's just the job for me' so I went down to the station, had an interview, got the gig and have been there ever since. I absolutely love my time there. It keeps me young."

He hosted hospital radio broadcasts every Wednesday and Thursday morning, with his signature tune being The Oldest Swinger in Town by Fred Wedlock.

Patrick continued fronting his show twice a week, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. "For two mornings a week I am pleasing people and bringing them joy so what's not to like about that? I get to play my happy music and bring smiles to people's faces," Patrick gushed.

In 2023, Patrick fell ill and was forced to permanently step down from presenting. Clare Bancroft, Head of Volunteering at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, said: "Our sincere condolences to all of Patrick's family at this very sad time and his hospital radio colleagues who have lost a truly great presenter."

She described Patrick as an "amazing person" who was "kind" and "brought a smile to everyone's face" when his voice was heard on the radio.

Clare added: "Here at Bradford Teaching Hospitals we are truly grateful for everything he did for us and our patients. He will be sorely missed."

David Rathmell, chairperson for St. Luke's Sound Hospital Radio, shared his own tribute, revealing their hearts were broken when Patrick was forced to leave the station.

He said: "For 12 years Patrick was a valued member of our team of presenters. Always with a ready smile and a joke. He was 93-years-old when illness finally forced him to leave the studio which broke all our hearts as we dearly loved him as a colleague and a friend.

"I feel privileged to have known Patrick. There was no doubt about Patrick's enthusiasm and dedication to our radio station and we are ever so grateful for the years and time he gave to St. Luke's Sound."

David added: "His photograph is on the wall in our studio and will always be there. R.I.P. my friend."

Patrick's funeral will be held at 10:00am at St Joseph's Church in Bradford on 26 January.


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