A VOLUNTEER radio DJ proved he’s a real long player by embarking on a marathon 33-hour continuous broadcast.

Chris Bounds, 32, spent 33 hours 32 minutes, or 2012 minutes, live on air for Hospital Radio Basingstoke.

During his mammoth stint, the dad-of-four played more than 450 songs, and handled up to 50 requests from patients listening at Basingstoke hospital .

Chris, a care manager from West Berkshire, kicked off the broadcast at 8am last Saturday, and wrapped up by 5.32pm the next day.

Speaking to The Gazette , Chris said: “It has been quite gruelling. The toughest part was 10pm to midnight. That was the first time I was on my own. But once I got to the early hours, I got back into it and had some words of encouragement.

“I feel proud of myself, but I have had lots of support from patients, staff, and my friends.”

Chris first joined the volunteer hospital radio service in February. His marathon stint aimed to raise cash for Basingstoke Hospital Radio as part of its year-long 40th anniversary celebrations.

The show itself included a nine-hour review of the year so far, as well as live interviews with Hospital Radio Basingstoke presenters Vernon Pearce, in Spain, and Paul Le Feuvre, in France.

Fellow presenter Christine Rowley was impressed with Chris’ dedication. “It is really exciting,” she said. “To have someone who is a relatively new member, come in and given up his whole weekend is great. His dedication to a volunteer role is really fantastic.”

And chairman of Basingstoke Hospital Radio Marilyn Price added: “I am incredibly proud of Chris for his commitment to Hospital Radio Basingstoke and bringing an innovative idea of 2012 minutes as part of our 40th anniversary celebration.”