NEWS

Radio Lollipop celebrates 30 years of volunteering at Bristol Children’s Hospital
5 October 2014  

On 29th September 1984, Radio Lollipop Bristol opened its doors to children at the Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital for the very first time. Since then, Radio Lollipop volunteers have provided play and entertainment to thousands of sick children and on their 30th birthday, the charity is still as strong as ever.

To mark the occasion, Radio Lollipop playmakers held an 80’s themed birthday party in the hospital playroom complete with decorations, prize giveaways and lots of fancy dress! Children were entertained with lots of different activities including badge making and decorating 80s themed glasses so that they could get involved in the dressing up too.

Accompanying the birthday celebrations was a special radio show presented by Gemma Foster as DJ Geminem together with children from across the hospital. In the weeks leading up to the party, DJ Geminem ran a special radio academy for patients and their siblings so that they could develop skills in presenting, singing and music selection ready to take over the birthday show. The academy was a huge success and the children broadcast live on air over the hospital, running competitions, playing music and singing songs.

Radio Lollipop playmakers also took the fun out to the wards and delivered goody bags and bears as presents for all the children.

After the event, Radio Lollipop welcomed Darran Huish from the Hospital Broadcasting Association who kindly presented the volunteers with a recognition award for 30 years of service to Hospital Radio.

Speaking of the celebrations, Kate Harris, Chairperson for Radio Lollipop Bristol said “It has been such a fantastic day celebrating 30 years of Radio Lollipop Bristol. Thank you to all Radio Lollipop Bristol volunteers past and present for dedicating their time and skills over the last 30 years to helping us bring smiles, laughter and entertainment to the children at Bristol Children’s Hospital. I am proud and privileged to be part of this fantastic charity.”

Here’s to the next 30 years of healing through the power of play at Radio Lollipop Bristol!

Location: Bristol