KentOnline

bannermobile

News

Sport

Business

What's On

Advertise

Contact

Other KM sites

CORONAVIRUS WATCH KMTV LIVE SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERS LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS LISTEN TO KMFM
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE
News

Heartbreak at death of much-loved Academy FM Thanet presenter Doc Atherton

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 13:44, 25 June 2024

Updated: 10:17, 26 June 2024

An “incredibly kind" stalwart radio presenter who entertained tens of thousands throughout Kent has died, aged 50.

Gracing the county’s airwaves for decades, Damien ‘Doc’ Atherton was known for his work on kmfm, Capital, and the past 14 years Academy FM.

Doc Atherton was a popular presenter in Thanet and a pharmacist by trade. Picture: Chris West

News of the Sunday Morning Show host’s death on Monday night, understood to have been caused by a heart attack, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Joining many paying tribute to Mr Atherton, colleague and Academy trustee Chris West, said: “He just loved what he did.

“That rubbed off on everyone else as well, particularly people that were new to the station or who’d just started training.

mpu1

“He was always positive, always there to lend a helping hand.

“People this morning in the radio station are really, really shocked.

Read more!
Academy FM presenter Doc Atherton, from Ramsgate, has died aged 50. Picture: Chris West

“They knew he was in hospital, but they obviously didn't realise the severity of it all.

“It's been a major shock to the listeners too this morning.

“They have been ringing, offering their condolences.

“For someone who is so young really, it's just a tragedy.”

Doc, who lived in Ramsgate, was a chemist by trade in Newington, Boots, and other pharmacies.

Doc Atherton worked at Academy FM Thanet for 14 years. Picture: Chris West

He started his passion for broadcasting at the Sea Bathing Hospital radio, where many other well known presenters learnt the ropes.

mpu2

He worked freelance for various stations before moving to Academy FM when it was founded in 2010.

In its early life, Doc was instrumental in fundraising to keep the show on the air, after then-owner Saga pulled out.

His last show was on June 15.

Mr West added: “He was so passionate about radio and the local community.

Doc Atherton during his time at KMFM. Picture: Jim Bell

“It’s a sad loss for everyone involved.

“Our station manager Debbie always says Academy FM is a family, and he was a big part of that.”

Rob Wills, kmfm presenter, has also paid homage to his former colleague, saying: “I first met Doc during a work experience stint at TLR many years ago.

“From the outset, he was incredibly helpful, kind, and supportive.

“Walking into a radio station as a young teenager was daunting, but seeing his happy, friendly face - always ready to talk about Star Wars - made all the difference.

Doc Atherton (left) with his KMFM colleagues, N.J. Fields, Bob Mower, Sara Saunders and Tony Dibbin. Picture: Jim Bell

“Doc was not only a wonderful person but also a great broadcaster.

“His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and worked with him."

Read more

More by this author

sticky

© KM Group - 2024