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Tribute paid to hospital radio legend Patrick Murphy

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 13:01

Tributes are being paid to one of the country’s oldest hospital radio broadcasters, Patrick Murphy, who has died in Bradford at the age of 95 after more than a decade on air.

Tributes are being paid following the death of one of the country’s oldest hospital radio broadcasters, Patrick Murphy, from Odsal in Bradford.

Patrick died on December 27, 2025, aged 95. He was still presenting twice a week on St Luke’s Sound until illness forced him to step away from broadcasting two years ago.

Patrick only joined hospital radio in 2012 at the age of 82, saying he had become bored with retirement. A lifelong music lover, he said his passion began listening to Radio Luxembourg and attending ballroom dances in Bradford during the 1960s, eventually deciding he could do a better job himself behind the microphone.

Originally from the Curragh in County Kildare, Ireland, Patrick moved to Bradford in 1951 to work in engineering. Over the years he built a vast music collection and became known for his upbeat shows, regularly playing swing, rock and roll and favourites by Neil Diamond and Bill Haley.

He continued broadcasting throughout the pandemic, describing hospital radio as an essential service that brought comfort and joy to patients during difficult times.

Head of Volunteering at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Clare Bancroft, described Patrick as kind, caring and great fun, while St Luke’s Sound Chair David Rathmell said he was a much-loved colleague whose enthusiasm and dedication would never be forgotten.

Patrick’s funeral will take place at St Joseph’s Church on Pakington Street in Bradford on Monday January 26 at 10am.

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