A CAMPAIGN has been launched to create a online radio station for three Hampshire communities.

Catie Lake, from New Milton, is currently fundraising to set up the station, called Spitfire Radio, to focus on “real people” across Southampton, the New Forest and Christchurch.

The 42-year-old has set herself a £2,000 target to launch the station and cover the costs of providing the service.

Catie, who started radio when she was 17, has faced several setbacks over the years herself – including gender dysphoria, resulting in gender reassignment surgery when she was 27.

She also has a cognitive processing disorder which makes reading and conversation difficult.

Despite the problems, Catie ran The Park FM community radio station in the New Forest for five years, before it wound down in 2012.

Now Catie has had to deal with a fresh blow after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November.

She said the revelation has sparked her decision to launch the new station, adding: "For five years I have procrastinated over whether to bring local radio back to the New Forest.

“This diagnosis has made me realise that it's now or never. I want to launch Spitfire Radio and use the station as a vehicle to raise money for other people leading challenging lives.

"The station has been set up a commercial station - meaning it will be in the position to hold its own campaigns and support local charity events.”

Catie added through the station, she intends to support the MS Society, a forces charity and a local cause within the New Forest.

So far, she has raised around £750 towards her goal through online crowdfunding and founding sponsors, and said she is confident of securing the rest of the money needed.

“I’m confident because I’ve raised half already,” she added. “I now need to raise the rest to cover a year of costs including insurance, broadcast software, content subscriptions and royalty licence fees.

“Local radio is such an asset. The station will be a platform on which to share our experiences, passions and challenges - not only as local people - but also as neighbours.

“If life is a stage, then this is the PA system."

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/spitfireradio to support Catie’s fundraising mission.