Demand for Doolan memorial service forces lottery draw

DEMAND from listeners to attend a Birmingham Cathedral memorial service for late radio broadcaster Ed Doolan is forecast to be so high that places will be decided by a random draw.

Doolan (pictured) was 76 when he died on January 16.

The BBC’s memorial service will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm on Thursday May 17.

A BBC spokesman said: “The service is going to be a celebration of a life well lived, including Ed’s favourite music, speakers sharing memories of Ed and his achievements and prayers.

“It will be recorded and an edited version will go out on BBC WM later that night.”

Doolan’s wife, Christine, said: “Ed meant so much to so many people. It is wonderful that – thanks to the BBC and St Philip’s Cathedral – we have this opportunity to come together, in love and friendship, to honour his achievements and celebrate a life well lived.”

BBC WM Editor Sarah Harness added: “Ed is very much missed amongst his WM family and we’re honoured to be able to celebrate his life with people that mattered so much to him. We hope the event will do him proud.”

The ceremony will be one of two special tributes to the much-missed celebrity interviewer and consumer champion.

To apply to attend, visit www.bbc.co.uk/ showsandtours or call 0370 901 1227. Registration will be open until 7pm on Monday April 30. Each person can apply for a maximum of two places.