Monday, 17 August 2026
Dan sits down with Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, and Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, fresh from abseiling 212 feet down Derby Cathedral in support of Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity.
More than 70 fundraisers took part in the annual challenge, with NHS staff, local residents and supporters gathering below as participants descended the tower. Catherine and Baggy share what the experience was like, why they wanted to get involved, and how the money raised helps fund the “thoughtful extras” that improve patient comfort and support staff wellbeing across Derby and Burton hospitals.
Baggy reflects on the atmosphere at the Cathedral and the buzz created by so many people backing the charity. Catherine talks about seeing the impact of fundraising first‑hand, including the sensory bay in the Children’s Emergency Department — a project funded through the charity that helps young patients feel calmer during overwhelming moments.
Dan also chats with both MPs about what’s been happening across Derby over the summer in their roles, the issues they’ve been working on locally, and - in true Derby fashion — settles the debate on whether a bread roll is actually called a cob.