Simon Bolton dead: Teesside radio presenter dies aged 54 on Christmas Eve after being rushed to hospital with Covid

RADIO presenter Simon Bolton died on Christmas Eve after a "very short" battle with Covid.

The 54-year-old Zetland FM broadcaster was last week rushed to hospital after testing positive for the virus but passed away just three days later.

North Yorkshireman Simon had worked at the local Redcar and Cleveland station since it launched in 2015.

His wife of 17 years Joanne said he was taken into James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on December 22 but died "suddenly" on Friday, reports.

Joanne said of Simon, dad to 16-year-old Leyla: "He was well-known by people. He had a good gob on him, he could talk for England!

"He kept himself in the know, especially with the Boro and music.

"Being a radio presenter was what he wanted to do."

Simon presented several programmes during his time at the station, including the Monday sports show, weekend breakfast and the Friday rock show.

Most recently, he was the voice of Radio Revivals, which Joanne described as "his passion", adding: "It was the stuff that never got played and that's what he preferred."

Simon, who produced the programme from his home in Redcar after suffering several health problems, including having his leg amputated, will be "hugely missed" by his colleagues.

Zetland FM said in a statement on Boxing Day: "It's with great sadness that we bring you the news that our Zetland FM colleague and friend Simon Bolton has died.

"Simon passed away on Christmas Eve after a very short illness.

"Simon was a part of Zetland FM since our launch in 2015 and presented many programmes on-air, including our Monday sports show, weekend breakfast, and the Friday rock show.

"Most recently, Simon's regular 'Radio Revivals' programme on Zetland FM showcased his great passion for music from all genres and eras, and also his immense knowledge of bands and artists."

It continued: "His favourite band was The Beatles, and whenever was on air he would always try to squeeze a track from them into his show.

"Born and bred in Redcar, Simon attended Sacred Heart School from 1979-1984 and in 2017 was involved in organising a reunion of former students.

"He was also a life-long fan of Middlesbrough Football Club, and many people will know him from his long involvement with the Boro Supporters Club.

'HUGELY MISSED'

"Simon was also a huge film fan, in particular the 'Star Wars' movies, as well as enjoying many other films as a regular customer at the Regent Cinema in Redcar.

"In recent years Simon's life had been dominated by health problems, and he worked hard to record his weekly programme for Zetland FM at his home in Redcar.

"Simon will be hugely missed by all his colleagues, friends and listeners at Zetland FM and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Joanne, daughter Leyla, family and friends."

Simon is the second of the Zetland FM team to pass away after testing positive for coronavirus.

Julie Donaldson, 50, who presented the Morning Mix show, spent several weeks in intensive care with the virus before her death in October 2020.