Hospital Radio Burnley

Hospital Radio Burnley presenter, Patrick McCann, had a date with his favourite TV. stars when he travelled to the Yorkshire Television studios in Leeds. Patrick (24) from Padiham in Lancashire made his dream come true when he passed his audition to appear on Channel 4's Countdown programme, having failed twice before.

Patrick who has had health problems all his life was born just 4lb in weight and underwent the first of many operations at just a few days old. Born three weeks premature and without a vital valve in his heart, showed his fighting spirit to finally get his chance on his favourite television programme.

The first time he failed getting on the channel 4 programme was when he was just 14 years old. the second time, he was unfortunately in hospital having another operation. Throughout his life, Patrick has overcome his health problems without a complaint. In 2002 he was one of the first people in the country to undergo ablasion therapy at St Bart's in London.

Patrick's date on 'Countdown' helped raise much needed funds for his other passion in life, Hospital Radio by asking sponsors to pledge money in sponsorship. Hospital Radio Burnley, who, celebrating fifty years of broadcasting to the patients of Burnley General hospital, are a voluntary organisation.

The recording of the programme was made on the 29th of May 2007 and was broadcast on the 28th of June 2007. Patrick beat his first opponent, Mr Gary Booker who travelled up from Llandrindod in Wales, 95 - 49. It was a tight game up until the third part of the show, when Gary, made an error. This seemed to affect his game and could not reply to Patrick's onslaught. Patrick finished in style by correctly identifying the 'Countdown conundrum' as 'UNLIMITED'

Patrick's second opponent was Gary Cook...(yes another Gary!) from Doncaster, who, spends a lot of time...and money, trying to get on 'Who wants to be a millionaire'. At the end of the first part of the programme the score was Patrick - 25, Gary - 31. Then came an inspired letter selection from Gary, who could only manage to eek out a six letter word...Patrick revealed the old countdown favourite...'Leotard' for seven. However, Gary, then frustrated Patrick by cancelling five letter words for six. At the end of the second period Patrick was 38 to Gary's 50. By the end of the third part of the show the scores were Patrick 60 and Gary had 64 points. This prompted Des O'Connor to declare a 'crucial countdown conundrum', the seconds went ticking by and on 27 seconds, it seemed that both Patrick and Gary pressed the button simultaneously...Gary beating Patrick by what probably was millionths of a second and consequently identified 'RAVISHING'. Patrick's dream of becoming an 'octochamp' had come to an end.

Patrick had however, achieved what may other people had tried and failed to do and that was win the coveted 'Countdown Teapot'.

Come on Patrick....

...get the kettle on!!!