Heather turns DJ to get pain relief message on radio show

Heather Wallace, from Haddington, has long lobbied health chiefs about the importance of paying more attention to pain when treating patients for a range of ailments.

Now, her charity Pain Concern, based in Tranent, has won the cash to begin the fortnightly shows in the spring.

The securing of the internet broadcast on the disabled-focused station Able Radio will allow her to reach more people in the quest for better pain management in hospitals. The project has been made possible after Ms Wallace succeeded in the Napp Awards, run by Napp Pharmaceuticals, which hands the cash to worthy pain management programmes.

She added that while the 10,000 would help start the project, further cash would be needed to maintain the initiative long-term.

"As the only patient group in the final three, we are delighted that we now have the potential to reach those with persistent pain through radio," she said.

"The award is a great start, but we need to keep these programmes going."

She added that the broadcast could help people "reclaim their lives" from agony and discomfort.

It is understood this will be one of the first regular broadcasts of its type in the country.

As well as highlighting the general issue of severe and chronic pain, the station hopes to feature regular interviews with specialists dealing in the issue and patients affected.

It is hoped those living in pain will be able to take strength and advice from the show and improve their lives.

Secretary of the group Helen Whitson, who herself is affected by chronic pain, said: "A radio show can give people the support they need at a convenient time and as they go about their work and daily lives.

"It enables those who cannot get to support groups to feel that they are not alone.

"We are looking not just at pain, but at the impact it has on people's lives."

The judging panel at the awards ceremony praised the project for its innovation, and opted to select it for the funding on the basis of the size of the audience they could reach through internet broadcasting.

There are around 300 members of the charity, which helps people from across the UK, dealing with about 30 calls a month.

Anyone interested in donating to the appeal can get in touch by e-mailing the charity at [email protected] or phoning 01875-614 537.