‘Captain’ Paul Shepherd announces retirement from Perth’s Mix 94.5
Perth radio veteran ‘Captain’ Paul Shepherd has announced his retirement from radio this morning, following his cancer diagnosis in August.
Shepherd will be stepping down following almost 30 years on air with Mix 94.5 to move to Denmark with his family.
‘Captain’ Paul Shepherd is stepping back from Mix 94.5
Speaking to The Big Breakfast’s Dean Clairs, Matt Dyktynski and Kymba Cahill (Clairsy, Matt and Kymba) this morning, Shepherd said his diagnosis and the following surgery and chemotherapy had brought his decision forward.
“It’s a big decision and I certainly wasn’t ready to leave at the time but this has brought my thinking forward a few years,” Shepherd said.
“When you get a smack in the face that you could die, do something about it, I’m doing something about it.
“There is a lot of things I want to do. I’m going to build an aeroplane right from scratch, build everything myself and start flying again.”
Shepherd spoke candidly about his diagnosis in August, saying he had initially misinterpreted the symptoms as heartburn or stress. A producer for The Big Breakfast encouraged him to see a GP, resulting in the discovery of his cancer.
Dyktynski said the team were happy Shepherd would spend the rest of his life doing what he wanted to do most.
“It was very clear what a part of the furniture you are in this city, let alone this station,” Dyktynski said.
“I’m sure there is a lot of people very sad to hear that you are retiring but happy you will be doing what you want to be doing for the rest of your life.”
Mix 94.5 will celebrate Shepherd’s career on air across the next few weeks..
“I feel very special and humbled by all the attention,” said Shepherd.
“Thank you to all the lovely listeners for their support, I won’t disappear completely”
