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A much-loved community radio DJ described as a “local legend” by loved ones has died suddenly.
Grieving family members of popular Stevie Webster say he was “living his dream” after moving to Canterbury and being a presenter on Cabin FM in Herne Bay .
The 36-year-old, who idolised Terry Wogan, broadcast more than 100 shows for the town centre station.
He was found dead at his home in Brymore Road early on Monday, August 10, by carers, after having spent the past five months shielding from coronavirus.
Sister Kizzie Mills told KentOnline: “Covid-19 really impacted his life because he was so busy before it.
“He used to go to the radio station, do some bowling, play bingo at Northgate Community Centre and go to Herons Leisure Centre to swim.
“What’s so sad is he’d been looking forward to going back to radio in two weeks’ time. It was so sudden.
“He died in his sleep on Monday.
“We still don’t know what the cause of death is.
“All we know is he was speaking to his friends at night and he didn’t wake up.
“We’re all shocked and beyond devastated. The main thing for us is we’re really going to miss him; life is going to be a much duller place without him in our lives.”
Stevie was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid on the brain, and consequently underwent a number of operations during his childhood.
The keen Manchester United fan was also partially sighted and registered blind – but Kizzie says he was determined “not to be defined by his disability and refused to carry a white stick”.
He grew up in Carlton Road, Herne Bay , before eventually moving into assisted accommodation in the city about six years ago.
Despite being in receipt of benefits, Stevie was keen to work, and as a result volunteered at branches of Oxfam in Herne Bay and Canterbury over the past 16 years.
“Stevie hated the fact he was on benefits, so he put back into society by working voluntarily,” Kizzie, 42, added.
“My brother was driven to do whatever he wanted. He’s a Herne Bay boy through and through, but he always wanted to live in Canterbury and be a DJ. He went out living his dream.
“He was bit of a local legend. We lost our mum about six years ago, so the only comfort that we’ve got is she’s with him.”
Stevie was well-known for telling listeners stories about his boiler, love of darts and Love Island gossip during his weekly morning show, which he named “My Bit in the Middle”.
Station manager Peter Jell said: “Local pubs would listen in to hear him and people were always asking us ‘when’s he coming back’. It’s a bolt out of the blue.”
A date has not yet been set for Stevie’s funeral at Barham Crematorium.
Ms Mills says the family hopes to hold a memorial, which will raise funds for his beloved radio station, once restrictions on mass gatherings are eased.
