Tributes paid to Sussex DJ Ambrose Harcourt

Ambrose Harcourt, who lived in Worthing and hosted radio shows for over five decades on the airwaves across Sussex and the South of England, died aged 74 at St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing with his family by his side on August 31.

Ambrose’s family paid tribute to the "most loving, caring and inspirational person who always had time and a hello for everyone".

They said he will be greatly “missed as a husband, father and grandfather”.

“We have been touched by the kind words and recollection of so many stories from those that knew him and it’s clear that he touched so many people’s lives for the better,” they said.

“The family are so proud for what he represented to everyone through his charity and radio career.”

Ambrose, whose real surname was Obiajulu, came over to the UK from Nigeria alone to complete his education as the oldest child of a large family in 1964, first to Norwich and then on to Kings Lynn.

His love of music began at college in 1969 where he and some close friends set up a company that ran events and concerts.

Ambrose, who was also known as “Mr Lurve”, started his DJing career in pubs and clubs across the East of London which developed into Hospital Radio at St George’s in Tooting.

On relocating to Sussex, Ambrose joined Southlands Hospital Radio in 1982.

It was whilst there that he met Simon Mayo who told Ambrose to apply for a new station that was launching.

It was there that he took on the stage name “Harcourt” which came from the Nigerian city of “Port Harcourt”.

Now settled in Worthing with his young family, Ambrose joined Southern Sound in 1986.

His “unique” voice and delivery went on to see him become one of the most well-known and much-loved presenters across the South.

The station which later became Southern FM and then Heart FM featured his shows “Soul Direction”, “The Love Hour”, “Night-time Heart and Soul” and the “Love Zone” with the infamous “Love Bites Top 3” becoming compulsive listening.

Ambrose also broadcast on other stations across Sussex and the South including Juice FM, Arrow FM, Sovereign FM and more recently on Regency Radio, a station he helped launch.

Over the years, Ambrose also worked in other areas of entertainment including at the BBC on BBC1, BBC2 and Radio Five Live as a continuity announcer, on ITV Meridian and Sky UK Living presenting the series of “Looking for Love” which was filmed in Brighton and many parts of Sussex and even played the part of Pele in a recent TV advertisement alongside Arsenal footballer Gabriel Jesus.

Away from music, Ambrose’s other passion was his football team Chelsea, and he was a season ticket holder for over 30 years.

Ambrose standing in for Pele with Gordon Banks at The Grand hotel recreating "that save"

Ambrose was involved with many charities over the years with two being very close to him having worked with them for over 20 years.

He was vice president for both Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice, and St Barnabas House, a hospice providing palliative care where he was cared for in his final days.

He worked tirelessly for these charities with many fundraising activities including a cycle challenge and a five-day trek along the Inca Trail in Peru where they raised £143,000, which he completed not long after undergoing gruelling treatment for his illness in 2019.

He also worked with The Princes Trust, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Scope, Mencap and many others.

Ambrose was patron of Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice

Jay Jackson of Regency Radio said: “Ambrose leaves behind a hole in Regency Radio that will never be filled, nor could anyone fill it!

“The whole team are devastated by the sad news.

“He was a wonderful human being; he wanted only the best for everyone and would go out of his way to help up-and-coming presenters achieve their dream of being on the radio; Ambrose was a director at Regency and instrumental in making it the success it has become.

“We will continue his good work in his name by naming our new studios after him once built, he will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.”

A book of condolence has been set up on the home page of Regency Radio and can be found at www.regencyradio.co.uk

People can also share their messages of condolence here.

Regency Radio will pay tribute to Ambrose by playing Mr Lurve's favourite songs non-stop.