Cornwall's Rewind Radio becomes a lifeline for elderly listener in need during Storm Goretti

Cornwall’s Rewind Radio helped rescue an elderly listener during Storm Goretti, proving the vital role of local radio during extreme weather.

During a live storm special, presenters Richard Woods and Scott Temple were on air keeping listeners informed as Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption across Cornwall. Partway through the broadcast, they were contacted by a distressed woman in her 80s who urgently needed help.

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the Rewind Radio team acted immediately. After confirming the woman’s address, Richard Woods left the studio — allowing Scott Temple to continue presenting solo — and went to assist her in person.

When Richard arrived at the property, he discovered roof tiles being torn from the house and the pensioner, who suffers from severe arthritis, stranded in her chair in complete darkness following a power cut.

Accompanied by his daughter Melissa, Richard ensured the woman was safe and comfortable, and contacted her family outside Cornwall to reassure them that she was okay and being looked after.

Commenting on the incident, Richard Woods said:

“People in Cornwall always go above and beyond for each other — and that’s even more true when storms like Goretti hit. We see our listeners as family here at Cornwall’s Rewind Radio, so when one of them said they needed us, we were always going to make sure they were safe. People say local radio is a lifeline, and that was literally true last night.”

In addition to helping the elderly listener, Richard Woods and Scott Temple also assisted in coordinating the rescue of a bus that had become stranded with passengers on board. Throughout the storm, they kept listeners across Cornwall informed, entertained, and reassured during an eleven-hour live broadcast, as the county endured the worst conditions of Storm Goretti.

“We’re proud to be Cornwall’s only independent commercial radio station, and we’ve never been more important,” Richard added.

“It’s moments like these that highlight how vital it is to be on the ground and embedded in the community we serve. The real heroes of Storm Goretti are the emergency services who worked tirelessly under a red weather warning — but we’re proud to have played our part too.”

The story ended on a positive note, with the station confirming they checked in on the listener the following morning.

“She’s safe, her power has been restored, and she’s more grateful than ever to have our station in her life,” Richard said.

Following the follow-up call in the station made in the morning following the storm, the lady contacted the studio to say  “There are no words to thank you for what you have done for me tonight… Can't thank you enough thank you from the bottom of my heart”