Val Armstrong

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Val Armstrong is an English radio presenter, broadcast journalist and head of presentation at CRFM, Carlisle. She is best known for her work on BBC Radio Cumbria.

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Val Armstrong
Born
Valerie Ann Armstrong

October 1964
Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Career
StationCRFM Community Radio Station in Carlisle www.yourcrfm.co.uk
StyleRadio presenter and journalist
Country United Kingdom

Career

Val Armstrong began working in radio at the age of 17. In 1982, she joined BBC Radio Carlisle - now BBC Radio Cumbria. She has worked as a journalist, producer, and presenter. She is experienced in presenting a wide range or programmes. Prior to her broadcasting career, Val had a Saturday job in a jeans shop and a worked part time in a cotton wool factory.[ citation needed ]

She regularly raises funds and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support, after battling cancer twice. [1] Armstrong kept a diary of her cancer journey for the BBC news website. [2]

She has raised thousands of pounds for a whole variety of charities - both local and national - across the years. She is the current Chairman of Cumbria Women of the Year Committee and is a Girl Guide Ambassador. She has recently taken on the role as Ambassador for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. Armstrong is also a Patron of Blood Bikes, Cumbria. She is the former Chairwoman of Carlisle Breast Care Support, former President of Carlisle Musical Society and former Trustee of the Oaktree Animal Charity.[ citation needed ]

In September 2023, Armstrong announced on air that she was to leave the BBC after 41 years of broadcasting, latterly having hosted a daily show on Radio Cumbria, citing the changes that were to take place to the local radio network. She broadcast her last show on 22 September 2023.

She announced on her last show she was training to become a celebrant.

In April 2024 it was announced that Val would return to radio. She joined the team at Carlisle's brand new community radio station CRFM - a non for profit station based in the city. She now presents the mid-morning show Monday to Thursday for the station and is also their Head of Presentation.

Personal life

Armstrong has previously battled breast cancer in both 2006 and 2010 and underwent a double mastectomy. She lives in Carlisle, England. [3]

She revealed in 2019 she had been suffering from depression triggered by her anti-cancer medication. [4]

Awards

In 2011, Armstrong was announced as ‘Cumbrian Woman Of The Year’. [5] [6]

In 2023, Armstrong was honoured by being given ‘The Freedom Of The City of Carlisle’ by Carlisle City Council - only the third woman in the city's history to be honoured with this title, and the only living female recipient. [7] [8]

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References

  1. ↑ "BBC Radio Cumbria - Val Armstrong". BBC . Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  2. ↑ Armstrong, Val. "Val's Cancer Diary". BBC . Retrieved 21 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "BBC Radio Cumbria star Val in cancer battle". ChronicleLive . Retrieved 9 May 2010.
  4. ↑ "BBC Radio Cumbria's Val Armstrong is back on air after battling depression". News and Star. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  5. ↑ "Cumbria Women Of The Year - Val Armstrong". Cumbria Women Of The Year. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
  6. ↑ "Presenter Val named as Cumbrian Woman of Year". Whitehaven News. 1 December 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  7. ↑ "BBC Radio Cumbria's Val Armstrong given Carlisle freedom". BBC News . Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  8. ↑ "Special ceremony held to appoint new freemen and woman of the city". News and Star. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
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