James Whale’s wife, Nadine Lamont-Brown, has issued a moving appeal to fans following the legendary broadcaster’s death at the age of 74.
Taking to X, Nadine wrote that she and James had pledged to do “all that we can to help this wonderful charity,” praising the Heart of Kent Hospice for making his final days “so peaceful and special.” She urged fans to donate, linking to a JustGiving page which had already raised £1,415.
The hospice’s fundraising page explains how it supports over 2,000 people and their loved ones each year, relying on £7 million annually to continue its vital work. Nadine asked supporters to share the message widely, stressing that “every pound donated makes a world of difference.”
Whale, one of Britain’s pioneering “shock jocks,” lost his long battle with kidney cancer after decades on the air. First diagnosed in 2000, he underwent surgery to remove one kidney, later revealing in 2020 that the cancer had spread to his remaining kidney, spine, brain, and lungs.
Despite the terminal prognosis, he continued to broadcast and campaign, founding Kidney Cancer UK in 2006. His career spanned more than 50 years, from late-night phone-ins on ITV’s The James Whale Radio Show to hit slots on TalkSport, LBC, BBC local stations, and most recently, TalkTV.
In 2024, he was awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting and charity. Away from the microphone, he endured personal loss when his first wife, Melinda, died of lung cancer in 2018. He later married Nadine, who was at his side during his final moments at Heart of Kent Hospice. He leaves behind two sons, James and Peter.
Colleagues and fans have hailed him as a fearless voice, a cultural icon, and a man whose wit and warmth will be missed. His final podcast, recorded days before his death, ended with him thanking listeners for their unwavering loyalty.
