Beyond Radio presenter Phil McGrath is heading towards completing a century during his year of 'bucket list' challenges to celebrate his 60th birthday.
The popular host of The Quick Draw Radio Show aimed to do 60 of the things he's always wanted to, but never got round to before, prior to his 60th birthday in April 2025.
And we are delighted to announce that after seven months of challenges around the UK, Phil has achieved his goal!
But he's decided to carry on and continue the challenges right the way up until the big day, and has now completed well over 80.
Phil, who also works for Citizens' Advice in Lancaster, was diagnosed with non-curative lung cancer, after twice beating the disease, last year.
He has been undergoing a course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment, and says that beating cancer again has been added to his list of challenges.
Here is his latest diary.
Week 40
A busy week this week – beginning with a great, relaxed start to the weekend with a Glamping trip at Stanley Villa Farm, near Preston 67/60.
A beautiful setting – lots of fairy lights and bunting with a lovely pampering basket with strawberries, chocolate fondue, marshmallows and hot chocolate to enjoy.
Sadly the gale force winds and rain put paid to the opportunity to sit in the wood fired hut tub watching the wildlife on the lake! A typical McGrath camping weekend!
A beautiful site though, a great welcome from the owners – will certainly look to visit again.
On Saturday we went to Kirkham Christmas Market and Christmas trail which was absolutely brilliant considering the rain and wind, we then went off to Blackpool to Walk the Lights 68/60 and we got a tram to the end of the Blackpool Lights and walked the full length back to Bispham Kitchen where the traditional fish and chips were most welcome! A lovely walk – we even managed to avoid most of the rain!
A big weekend for Beyond Radio and an opportunity for 69/60 the Christmas Light Switch On attended by yours truly in full Elvis regalia for the Christmas Elves gag!
I got to meet all of the performers on the evening (like Rule the World, the Take That tribute band) and took to the stage to be introduced by the world famous Greg Lambert and support Santa’s turning on of the Christmas lights!
Week 41
This weekend we were privileged to see Blood Brothers 70/60. Vivienne Carlyle was in the role of Mrs Johnstone, having played the character in the show’s West End production. Sean Jones and Joe Sleight played twins Mickey and Eddie, and Gemma Brodrick was in the role of Linda.
The show tells the story of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The musical features such brilliant standards as 'A Bright New Day', 'Marilyn Monroe' and 'Tell Me It’s Not True'. A powerful show that had me in bits!
Week 42
Week 42 was written off after ending up in hospital with flu. Twenty four hours in A and E struggling to breathe wasn’t the best start to the week but gave me a whole new understanding of the damage that yearly cuts to the NHS by consecutive Governments of all flavours has had on our local hospital.
Treating people in crisis on the corridors of an ageing hospital is just wrong!
After some hefty doses of antibiotics and anti flu medicines I was discharged and back on my feet although the three challenges planned for the week had to be cancelled.
Week 43
As if things could get worse the results of the scan were in and my worst fears were realised. The consultant advised me that the cancer seemed to be back in force, progression in the cancer which appears to have spread – certainly not the news I was looking for.
The multi-disciplinary team advised that I should have an eBUS biopsy so that they could get a clearer understanding of what was happening with the cancer - oh joy!
The week ended with a fantastic Music with the Mayor Disco 71/60 hosted by the one and only SilentMark.
During the evening the Citizens Advice staff took on LDCVS in a dance off which, of course, was won by Citizens Advice – impartial judging from the Mayor, I'm sure!
Week 44
The week started with the eBUS, probably my least favourite procedure but, I guess, essential to find out what’s happening.
Went to pick up the chemo on Friday and on Saturday 72/60 was Peter Kay – after a two year wait!
A brilliant show, all of the old gags and lots of new stuff finishing with THAT guitar and Noel Gallagher. Just brilliant and a great end to what was a rubbish two weeks.
Week 45
The eBEF results are in. No active cancer in any of the biopsies! It looks like the 'progression' was related to the flu and has caused inflammation in my lungs. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
A brilliant Christmas with Di and Yzzy – loads of new stuff to do from Santa which will certainly help with the new challenge to complete 100 things in 60 weeks before my 60th!
Starting with 73/100 Disney’s Aladdin at Liverpool Empire.
A typical Disney extravaganza set in Agrabah, starring Gavin Adams as Aladdin and Yeukayi Ushe as the Genie.
I really loved Aladdin’s friends Kassim, Babkak and Omar and their roles and songs – a slight departure from the film! Angelo Paragoso was a brilliant Iago too.
Week 46
The turn of the year – a visit to the consultant to confirm that the cancer is not active followed by a trip to Sunderland for a visit to the Sunderland Fans Museum 74/100 where we got to meet the owner and view the history of the football club and get to lift the FA Cup. It was great to see some of the exhibits, particularly the FA Cup tracksuits and some of the kits from across the decades.
From the museum we went on to see the match Sunderland v Sheffield Utd 75/100. A great 2-1 win for the lads and some great selfies with the players and manager after the game.
Week 47
A quiet week in terms of challenges and activities – nothing really to report – more planning!
Heading towards the 200th Quick Draw Radio Show and the 150th Parkrun which I hope to complete in the next few weeks.
Week 48
This weekend included the Heron Flyers Christmas Meal and a visit to see the Hotwheels Monster Truck Show Glow n Fire 76/100 in Manchester. A great family show with lots of thrills and lots of audience participation.
The show was a competition between six Monster trucks that took part in a range of stunts, jumping over cars, wheelies over bonnets, do-nuts and racing with a brilliant motorbike stunt team in the interval.
Week 49
A busy weekend began with the Music with the Mayor Ceilidh and Burns Night Dinner at the Lancaster Town Hall 77/100 piped in by a lone piper and then some fantastic live music from Sandpiper and a fantastic two course veggie haggis meal provided by the students of Lancaster and Morecambe College.
Saturday we saw Calamity Jane at the Manchester Opera House 78/100 with Carrie Hope Fletcher, Vinny Coyle, Luke Wilson and Seran Sandham Davies. Another top class show with some great music – the Deadwood Stage, Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City and Secret Love. A brilliant feel good musical!
Sunday we went to see Ice Hockey – Manchester Storm v Nottingham Panthers 79/100 at Altringham, with Bri and Helen. The first time I’d been to an ice hockey match and we were there on Pride day – the kits were rainbow striped and the Pride unicorn mascot joined Lightning Jack to entertain the kids. The game was a great family spectacle with lots of opportunity for participation from the crowd. On the ice the match finished 4-0 to the Panthers and in fairness the Storm were played off the ice! https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/4529-man-not Before the game we visited Nahmprik Thai Restaurant with Bri and Helen – a lovely meal which set us up well for the ice hockey. https://www.nahmprik.co.uk/
Week 50
Planning for the Cluedo based Murder Mystery 80/100 was put to the test this weekend when I hosted the event what I wrote for the team at Citizens Advice. Lots of twists and turns in the event that was attended by 20 of the staff and their friends with a little nod to Traitors (a last minute decision). All seemed to go well and Jeni walked off with the prize for guessing the murderer!
On the Saturday we completed the Veterans Walk from the home of Fleetwood Town FC to Morecambe’s Christie Park 81/100. A 29 mile walk to watch the football setting off at 6am from Fleetwood to end at Christie Park in time to do the press and media stuff and then watch the match (after some great grub!).
It was a tough match that ended in a strongly fought victory for the Shrimps. We were even on the telly – ITV’s EFL football programme – fame at last!!
On the Sunday we saw Jenny Eclair at the Lancaster Grand 82/100. The show was to promote her memoir and was a funny and poignant story of the life of one of the UK’s favourite comedians.
A really interesting glimpse into the life of a really funny and eccentric comedy genious – NOT to be confused with Sue Pollard!
Read Phil's other diary entries here.
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