A beloved radio DJ has died in hospital after spending four decades on air. Simon Marlow, who had worked for the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) since 2007, passed away aged 58 in London on June 27. The BFBS official X account announced the tragic news, writing: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved colleague, Simon Marlow. Simon worked for BFBS worldwide as a radio presenter and producer, most recently as Station Manager at BFBS Northern Ireland."

The presenter's breakthrough role came in 1987 when he became a freelance voice. He went on to enjoy stints at UK stations including Radio City, 2-TEN, Chiltern Radio and Classic FM. Marlow later joined BFBS, lending his talents on the radio as well as behind the scenes. This job led him around the globe, with Marlow travelling to places like Afghanistan, Cyprus, Germany, the Falklands and Northern Ireland.

He was based in Gibraltar during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic and reportedly planned to retire across the border in Spain. More recently, he worked as station manager of BFBS in Northern Ireland.

Marlow was described as a "force of nature" by colleagues, who took to social media to share their heartbroken tributes.

BFBS CEO, Ben Chapman described Simon as someone who "made a difference", writing: "Wherever Simon was, whoever he was with, there was always laughter. He made a difference."

He added: "We send our heartfelt condolences to Simon's family and friends... and to his team in Northern Ireland, his many listeners and colleagues across the BFBS world."

It comes after fellow radio DJ Darren Scott died aged 61 following a lengthy battle with cancer. For several years, Darren battled with stage 4 malignant melanoma - a serious type of skin cancer that spreads beyond the primary site to other areas of the body.

Throughout his glittering career, the radio veteran worked for Radio Bop, 5FM, Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio, and HOT 102.7FM. His passing was confirmed in a statement by his employer HOT 102.7FM, who said Darren fought the disease with grit, humour, and determination for years.

"The pain of this loss is raw, and the void left behind is impossible to measure. Darren was many things: a gifted communicator, a music lover, a sports encyclopaedia, a deeply spiritual soul, and a loyal friend," the Johannesburg-based radio station added in a statement.

Darren left behind his two sons Mark and Matthew, who he shared with his former partner Sarah-Kate Accetta.