Today we have been stunned to learn that Julie Donaldson, the morning presenter on Zetland FM lost her battle with Covid-19. We have lost a beautiful soul and are completely devastated.

It’s very difficult to take this in. We are in shock. Reading through all the beautiful comments on social media has been so hard to do but we must grieve for our lovely friend who deserves every tear. She was so loved.

Julie was our friend and a true ambassador for this town. A reassuring voice every morning on our radios, she started each day with the lighter side of life with good humour, anecdotes and stories. As well as being witty, she was gracious, thoughtful and extremely generous with her time.

I was so fortunate to be in her company over the years doing interviews and watching her perform at many live events she helped plan and present. She supported and cared and did her very best to promote Redcar with positivity and energy.

My heartfelt sympathy to John her soulmate, to her Zetland FM family, and to all who were blessed to have known her.

Rest in peace. We will miss you Julie. Xx

Zetland FM will be putting together a tribute on Monday morning at 8am and I will be tuning in along with all of Redcar.