Radio presenter Shaun Keaveny has urged the government to do more to protect canals, describing them as vital public spaces that have helped him manage his ADHD and stay mentally well.
The former BBC 6 Music host, now at the helm of BBC Radio 2’s Friday night Rock Show, told The Standard canals have transformed his life and said more investment is needed to keep these spaces thriving.
“We need politicians to see the mental health benefits to millions of people of having canals and outdoors spaces that are well kept,” he said.
“For decades, there's been a move away from investing in things that are there to help the community.
“I’m always lobbying my MPs. I know everybody says there’s no money, but there’s always money. It’s about prioritising. Sir Keir Starmer, get your finger out.”
Earlier this year, experts said cuts to England’s canal network could put lives at risk, while campaigners warned that without a funding solution, the canals could eventually dry up due to the climate crisis.
Keaveny, 53, who was diagnosed with ADHD three years ago, says solo walks and bike rides along the towpath several times a week have “saved” his mental health.
“Life is chaotic for most people. With ADHD, you've got a very noisy brain that’s craving stillness and time to process everything. Being by the water helps with that.”
He first fell in love with canals growing up near the Bridgewater Canal in Leigh, but it was during walks with his young children in London during the pandemic that he reconnected with canal life.
“Lockdown was incredibly difficult for everyone. It was a stressful time,” he said. “But the ducks, the water, the smell of woodsmoke from the boats just took the edge off everything.”
Now a vocal supporter of the Canal & River Trust, which maintains the country’s waterways, Keaveny praises the sense of community on the towpath.
“People living on those boats have opted out of the madness – they're not worried about how much money they're earning or what car they're going to buy. They're living a different life.”
When not by the canal, Keaveny indulges his passion for music on The Rock Show, which he’s hosted since November - succeeding the late DJ Johnnie Walker.
“It’s a total joy,” he said. “I get to play raucous rock to millions of people.”
His favourite guest so far has been Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler.
“I'm a failed rock star. I’m obsessed with guitars. To my wife’s chagrin, I’ve got about 15 lying around,” he laughs. “So to spend time with Mark was a real privilege.”
Did Knopfler offer him any tips? “No! He doesn’t think he’s that good. He's unbelievably humble. He said he has ‘plumber’s hands’ and that he just fumbles away.
“It’s like, well, you’re one of the best guitar players that’s ever lived. But it's great that he is that humble - it’s one of the things that makes him so brilliant.”
His dream guest would be “any of the Zeppelin boys – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones. I’ve interviewed them before, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
