A BALA blogger has picked up a substantial fund to further her broadcasting career at the glittering Radio Festival awards.

Former Ysgol y Berwyn pupil Michelle Thomas picked up a £1,000 special prize at the Radio and Audio Funding Award (RAFA) last week and key introductions to people within BBC factual radio shows including Saturday Live, the Radio One Breakfast Show and Woman’s Hour.

Michelle, who shot to fame on the internet in 2015 after she posted a blog about a failed Tinder date and the shocking remarks made by her date, won her prize at the British Library in London.

She was one of three finalists in her category to win a cash prize.

The £5,000 RAFA prize went to Tom Glasser from Hertfordshire for his production about sound design whereas £3,000 went to Jodie Taylor, Hastings, for her piece about Syrians in Europe.

Michelle, who now lives in Bristol, will use the money to promote her ‘healthy bodies and healthy minds’ message.

She won the £1,000 for her serialised podcast documentary about the world of mental health which “uncovers the common ground that unites us through our personal struggles”.

Michelle spoke to numerous people all with various mental health conditions and how their journey was progressing in a “frank and important look at one of the epidemics of our time”.

Speaking of the blogger’s podcast, judge Fi Glover said: “We thought this to be really ear-catching audio detailing how episodes of poor mental health actually feel and how talking about it really helps.

“We felt this was a refreshingly open approach.

“The contributors were articulate and willing to share their thoughts on a very difficult subject without embarrassment or fear.”

The Radio Festival awards were created to celebrate and encourage great audio documentaries.

They have been funded by the legacy of celebrated journalist Alan Whicker.

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