Tributes pour in for BBC radio presenter Andy Ball

Yahoo

27-01-2025

Tributes have poured in for a popular BBC radio presenter who has died after an illness.
Andy Ball, from Wallasey, was a presenter, reporter and part of the BBC Radio Merseyside's management team for nearly 30 years.
BBC Radio Merseyside said: "We're sad to have to tell you that our friend and colleague Andy Ball has passed away."
The station added it would miss him "dearly" and sent its "love and condolences to his wife Lynn and family".
BBC Radio Merseyside said: "We're sad to have to tell you that our friend and colleague Andy Ball has passed away.
"Andy worked for BBC Merseyside for nearly 30 years as a presenter, reporter and part of the management team.
"He loved the river and enjoyed nothing more than getting out into the communities right across the whole of Merseyside.
"We will miss him dearly and send all our love and condolences to his wife Lynn and family."
Andrew Bowman a former editor of BBC Radio Merseyside worked with him for about five years and said: "He was so generous with his time – and that is a characteristic that remained, he just always had an ability to be available to help people.
Mr Bowman said he was a "brilliant ambassador for the radio station" who shone at outside broadcasts such as the Southport and Tatton Flower Shows.
"He really loved these shows and getting out and about on outside broadcasts in general as it was a great way to meet Radio Merseyside listeners face to face."
Mr Bowman added he was "phenomenally supportive" of his colleagues.
"He'll be greatly missed by everyone connected with BBC Radio Merseyside," he added.
Andrea Day who also worked with him at BBC Radio Merseyside said he was "always so generous with his time and patience with everyone".
"He truly loved Liverpool, the station and all the people in it," she said.
Former BBC News online reporter Greg O'Keeffe described him as a "gentleman".
"I was struck by how friendly and welcoming Andy was to people.
"It was clear to see the respect and affection his colleagues had for him, and he seemed to have time and a chat for everyone."
Andrew Brown of Stand Up For Southport, a community news site, said: "He was fantastic company.
"So invested in the local community right across Merseyside, a real people person."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.