Our Eternal Cadet

Most of us met Melanie through music. Alongside her beloved Paul (“Grinny”), music wasn’t just her passion — it was her compass, her lifeline, her friend, her saviour. It gave her hope when there was none. It turned her world around. Without music she was lost, and with it she became infinite.

Many of us knew Mel online. Some of us were lucky enough to meet her in all her glory. Whether across the airwaves or on the dance floor, you felt her magnificent essence — she shone through every frequency.

Mel told us herself: “Music is my life, my fail-safe, my friend. It comforts me, lifts me, holds me together. It sets my mind back on track. When all else fails, dig out those tunes, those mixes. Bring yourself back to life. Music has got me through the most difficult periods of my life and never fails to bring me joy.”

She carried that truth everywhere. After spinal surgery, after diagnosis, through pain and recovery — always the music. It was her bridge between despair and joy, her link to friends across the nation and beyond: the radio shows, the Friday-night crews, ALFOS/EBS, her virtual dance floor, and her chance to go to the Evil Acid Barons festival with her lovely man and her van (Rita). She danced in Devon, London, Liverpool, Brighton and Windsor in the company of Cadets, DJs and strangers who became family. She took risks, reclaimed independence, and danced until her bones hurt.

She is now one with her signal, her essence vibrating through every song and mix, every beat of our hearts and every moment of joy we spent with her — she will transmit her eternal broadcast forever.

Pew pew, Mel — we love you.