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Legendary Isle Of Wight Radio DJ Dave 'Cass' Casson Dies Aged 72 Following Cancer Battle

One of Isle of Wight Radio's original DJs has passed away following a brave battle with cancer.

Dave 'Cass' Casson passed away yesterday (Wednesday) morning at around 1.30am, aged 72, at Mountbatten Hospice in Newport, peacefully in his sleep with his wife and daughters by his side.

He was diagnosed with throat cancer last year, and despite initial good results from treatment took a turn for the worse in March of this year when it was found to have spread to his sinuses.

Unfortunately there was nothing further that could be done on from there.

Dave Cass — as he was known to listeners — was one of the original line-up of presenters on Isle of Wight Radio when it launched, initially presenting weekend breakfast shows and midweek late shows, as well as being involved in various outside broadcast events. 

He remained with the station for around three-and-a-half years from launch.

Prior to moving to Isle of Wight Radio he had been a well know mobile DJ, running one of the largest roadshows on the Island and working at most of the Island’s iconic clubs during the 1970s and 80s.

These include the Ryde Queen, the Carousel, 69 Club and The Babalu, and he also worked summer seasons at Pontins Little Canada during the 80s.

Many will remember his customised Ford Transit with it’s stars 'n' stripes paintjob.

He was also involved with IW Local Hospital Radio for many years, and built a mobile events unit that travelled around many shows on the Island raising funds for the station.

Fellow DJ and close friend, Alun Webb, said:

"Dave was an inspiration to many of the Island’s DJs, I took over his roadshow in 1988 when he retired from mobile work, and would never have got into radio without his support and encouragement.

"I still work as a mobile DJ, using the video format that he pioneered, working around the country at various Warner Hotels.

"I know Dave was proud that the show still continued."

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