Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

A few weeks ago we received an email here in the studio from Toni Richardson. Toni is mum to her son Taylor.

Toni said in the email, “I wonder if you can help. I have a 17 year old son called Taylor, who has Cerebral Palsy. He loves his music and dancing and I wonder if it is possible to arrange a visit to look around your studios”.

Well we were very pleased to arrange this and Taylor and Toni visited our studios in the Brentwood Centre and thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Presenter Bob Simpson gave them each a Phoenix FM Mug and played some of Taylor’s favourite music on air as well as a special message for Taylor from Rizzle Kicks, one of Taylor’s favourite bands.

If you search Youtube for “Down With The Trumpets Taylor D” you can see an amazing video starring Taylor with a contribution from Rizzle Kicks themselves.

Taylor’s mum was very grateful and in a later email to Phoenix said, “Just got back home and wanted to say thank you so much for your time today. We both really enjoyed the experience! It was lovely to meet you and it was fascinating learning a little about how a radio station works. Taylor has been full of it and says that he wants his own station now!!”

* We’ve got lots more guests lined up over the coming week. Jane Merrigan will be talking about the latest fundraising events for Saint Francis Hospice, Michael Torry will be talking about his charity show for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and Gavin Perrett from Hawkhurst Alternative Investments will offer up investment advice.

* There will also be live music in the studio from Ollie Lincoln, Pondering Hiker and Timely Bloat.