During these very difficult and uncertain times, popular Sussex radio presenter Ryan Millns has decided to raise money to help the NHS with something that has never been achieved before. He has set himself the challenge of appearing on 24 different radio stations in the space of just 24 hours starting at 7am on Friday 8th May.
The idea is that he will present for one hour on each of 24 different radio stations, based in the UK and around the world, from his isolation radio studio, set up in his bedroom in Hailsham, and be on air for a full 24 hours!
Ryan has had a studio set up at his home since he received one of the 1.5 million letters, sent out by the UK Government, to advise those most at risk of catching the virus to stay indoors for a minimum of 12 weeks. From his home studio he is still able to broadcast regularly on a number of local radio stations, but now he plans to take his voice on to the global airwaves.
Shortly after making the announcement of his “Ryan’s 24 Radio Stations in 24 Hours” challenge, I spoke to Ryan to find out what has prompted him, as a seriously vulnerable person, to take on such on such a massive task…
I have decided to undertake this fundraising project because, for a few years now, I have had an
underlying health problem which has resulted in me needing a huge amount of treatment from the NHS
and, to be perfectly honest, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here now.
If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?
I was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease four years ago, after being ill for the last five years, and, last year, this disease caused me to have a massive stroke. I was in hospital for three months and it left me unable to walk or talk as a result.
I think that now is the time when the NHS desperately needs help, so it’s up to someone like me to give something back to them for saving my life.
Bearing in mind your illness, why not do it over 24 days and not 24 hours?
Although that is a very good idea, 24 hours will be very much more of a challenge and it’s something that has never been attempted before. I am sure that it is going to really tough on me, but I am just going to have to pace myself. That’s why I am doing it on a Friday, I will have the whole weekend to recover before I am back on the radio on Monday.
I know that you have posted about this on social media, how much interest have you had?
You know, I have been really surprised, there is loads of interest already. The Just Giving page is up, and ready and, in fact, donations are already coming in. 23 radio stations have also confirmed that they will take part, so I just have one more to get and I’m all set.
Are they all UK radio stations?
No, not at all, as I look at the list here I can see Bay Radio and Valley Radio in Spain right at the top and I know there are others from all over the world here, as well as the local stations that I already have shows on like Uckfield FM, Seahaven FM, Hailsham FM and Clubland UK.
How can people get involved with this challenge and help you to raise the funds?
Well, the easiest way is to pop onto that well known social media site and search my name, Ryan Millns, or you can go to the Just Giving site and search for me there as well.
And you’re doing all of this, while you are in isolation at home?
Yes, I am in total isolation for three months. I am one of the 1.5 million people who are in the very highest risk category so I am isolated from everyone. I don’t just mean from the outside world, I am even isolated from my family. My wife is a key worker in a care home and, because of the possibility of me picking up an infection, we are not allowed to be in the same room together at all.
Logistically and emotionally, how easy is it to get through each day?
It’s very difficult. I try to find something every day to occupy my mind and stop myself from getting bored. I do that by presenting radio shows, which I can actually do from here at home. I have a facility here which means I can continue to broadcast and this is how I will do the 24 stations in 24 hours challenge, right here in my bedroom.
I won’t lie though, it’s very lonely right now. I am very lucky that I have family and friends that I can speak to on the phone, I chat a lot on social media, I’ve created a few online quizzes and I present my radio shows and I just try and get through it as best I can that way really.
I am trying to put myself in your position. Exactly how tough is it?
It really is very hard, mentally it is very difficult indeed. For the first few days I thought, this is ok, but then the relentless monotony set in. Last week was the most difficult so far and, to be honest, my mental health suffered but, I am a very determined person and, knowing that my friends and family are all there for me, I was able to pull myself out of it. That’s another reason why I am doing this, it’s a really big challenge and something that I can really throw myself into.
You’re going to have a busy three weeks getting ready then.
Yes, the challenge takes place on the 8th of May which is the Bank Holiday Friday that coincides with the commemoration of VE Day. I am going to start at 7 o’clock in the morning and go right the way through to 7am on the Saturday morning. It’s going to be a very long night but I will just keep in mind why I am doing this and I am sure that will give me the strength to see it through.
And, just to be clear once more, donations are already being accepted aren’t they?
They are, yes, You just go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryan-millns and you can donate that way. People already are and, let’s be frank here, even if you can just give a fiver, it all helps right now and every penny will go straight to the NHS COVID-19 Charity.
A full list of the times and stations where you can hear Ryan’s 24 Radio Stations in 24 Hours Challenge will be published nearer to the time.