Radio presenter Julie Donaldson dies from coronavirus aged 50

Julie Donaldson, an award-winning local radio presenter from Redcar, has died from coronavirus aged 50. 

The Morning Mix presenter at Redcar’s Zetland FM was admitted to hospital on October 6 and sadly died on Saturday, her husband confirmed. 

A statement from Zetland FM’s shared on their Facebook page confirmed the sad news, stating that Julie had ‘put up an incredibly brave fight.’ 

Much-loved: Julie Donaldson, an award-winning local radio presenter from Redcar, has died of Covid-19 aged 50

The post read: ‘As you may know, our ‘Morning Mix’ presenter Julie Donaldson has been in intensive care for several weeks having contracted covid-19.

‘Today, Julie’s husband John has been in touch with some terribly sad news: ‘I am devastated to have to write that Julie died this morning shortly after 5am.

‘She was admitted to hospital earlier this month and put up an incredibly brave fight to combat this terrible disease.

‘In the end her heart simply could not cope with the strain which her deteriorating lungs were placing on it.

Popular:  Julie’s ‘Morning Mix’ show picked up the Best Community Radio Programme prize at the 2019 Community Radio Awards, which Julie also co-hosted

‘The doctors and nurses in ICU were exceptional and were all so supportive and went the extra mile to comfort her when she most needed it.

‘I would also like to thank all her friends on Facebook for your kind words and encouragement, I know this has helped her enormously.”

Julie was named Best Female Presenter at the Community Radio Awards in 2018. 

Her Morning Mix show also picked up the Best Community Radio Programme prize at the 2019 Community Radio Awards, which Julie also co-hosted. 

A radio station spokesperson added: ‘Everyone at Zetland FM is heartbroken at this news, Julie was an exceptional radio presenter, a hugely valued colleague and a friend to us all at Zetland FM.  

‘We also know she was much loved by our listeners and across the community in Redcar and Cleveland.

‘Julie was a wonderful woman who was an inspiration to everyone she met.

‘She was passionate about supporting the local community in Redcar and Cleveland and worked tirelessly to promote local groups, charities and organisations.

 ‘We will miss her terribly and we send our heartfelt condolences to her husband John, and her family and friends.

‘Zetland FM will pay tribute to Julie in a special programme on Monday morning from 8am.

‘Julie – thanks for everything, you will always be part of Zetland FM, and we will remember you forever.’