6 August 2026

A dedicated hospital radio volunteer who has spent more than 25 years bringing comfort and companionship to patients has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.

Neil Blanks, a presenter at Queen Alexandra Hospital Radio in Portsmouth, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding service to hospital broadcasting and the local community. Neil began volunteering with Radio Haslar, now Gosport Hospital Radio, in 1999, presenting request programmes and entertainment shows before later joining QA Hospital Radio. Over the years, he has dedicated thousands of voluntary hours to producing programmes, interviewing community figures, covering local events and helping patients stay connected through music and conversation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Neil continued producing programmes while hospital radio services faced significant challenges, helping to ensure patients could continue enjoying entertainment and companionship during an especially difficult time.

As well as presenting regular shows, Neil has held a number of leadership roles within hospital radio, including Programme Controller and Fundraising Manager, while also helping to establish Hospital Radio Productions, a creative initiative producing interviews, dramas, poetry and original content for hospital audiences. Receiving the honour came as a complete surprise.

Neil said: "I was shocked when I was told I'd been awarded the BEM. I genuinely thought it was a joke. I'm delighted that hospital radio is receiving recognition for the work it does. We are there for the patients. We hope to make difficult days a little easier by playing the music they love, bringing back happy memories and helping them through their recovery. There are so many volunteers this honour could have gone to, and I'm incredibly grateful to have received it."

Hospital radio in the UK has been supporting patients for more than 100 years, providing entertainment, companionship and a vital connection to the outside world for people during their stay in hospital. Neil continues to volunteer with QA Hospital Radio, presenting regular programmes and supporting new creative projects.