At Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH), two familiar voices have become a source of comfort, companionship, and inspiration for patients and listeners alike. Known affectionately as The Kilkenny Crew, two Army veterans have turned their experiences of mental health challenges into a powerful journey of recovery through hospital radio presenting.
Their story is one of resilience, friendship, and the healing power of connection.
Having both served in the Armed Forces, the pair understand the unique pressures that military life can place on mental wellbeing. Like many veterans, their transition from military service to civilian life brought challenges that tested their mental health. Rather than allowing those struggles to define them, they sought positive ways to rebuild confidence, establish routine, and reconnect with their community.
That opportunity came through hospital radio at Eastbourne DGH.
What began as a chance to volunteer soon developed into a meaningful role behind the microphone. Presenting programmes, interviewing guests, selecting music, and engaging with listeners provided structure and purpose while helping them regain self-belief and develop new skills.
The duo quickly became known as The Kilkenny Crew, a name that reflects both their camaraderie and the good humour they bring to every broadcast. Their shows combine music, military memories, community stories, and light-hearted conversation, creating an atmosphere that resonates with patients spending time in hospital.
For many listeners, hospital radio is more than entertainment. It offers companionship during difficult periods of illness or recovery. The Kilkenny Crew understand this better than most. Having experienced their own battles with mental health, they appreciate the importance of simply being there for others.
The presenters openly acknowledge that volunteering has played a significant role in their own recovery journeys. Being part of a supportive team has helped combat isolation, improve confidence, and provide a renewed sense of belonging. The friendships formed through hospital radio have become an important part of maintaining positive mental wellbeing.
Their story also highlights the value of volunteering opportunities for veterans. Skills developed during military service—such as teamwork, communication, reliability, and adaptability—translate naturally into broadcasting and community engagement. By sharing their experiences, The Kilkenny Crew demonstrate that recovery is not a destination but an ongoing journey supported by purpose and meaningful connections.
Hospital staff, volunteers, and listeners have come to appreciate the positive energy the pair bring to Eastbourne DGH. Their broadcasts remind patients that they are not alone and show how lived experience can be transformed into something that benefits others.
Today, The Kilkenny Crew continue to entertain, inform, and inspire from the hospital radio studio. Their voices carry a message that extends far beyond the wards of Eastbourne District General Hospital: recovery is possible, friendship matters, and sometimes a simple conversation over the airwaves can make all the difference.
For these two Army veterans, hospital radio has become more than a hobby—it has become a lifeline, a community, and a testament to the strength of recovery through service to others.