The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Dennis Harryman, was guest of honour at the 10th birthday party for the Southampton Radio Lollipop station.

10 years of Radio Lollipop at Southampton General Hospital was celebrated at Southampton Golf Club, with Radio Lollipop President Hedley Finn joining current and past volunteers, hospital staff and other loyal station supporters.

Honorary Chair Steve Read presented “This Is Your Life”, using volunteers’ reminiscences to recall high points since the station first went on air in 1994 to the tune of Madness singing “House of Fun”. Volunteers were presented with certificates from the Mayor and Karen Brown of Southampton University Hospitals Trust.

Councillor Harryman paid tribute to the important work done Radio Lollipop in helping children in hospital recover from serious illnesses. He said during his term of office as Mayor he had been impressed by the commitment of volunteers and acknowledged the substantial contribution they made to the life of the city.

After the formalities were over, guests enjoyed a buffet supper, some were lucky in the raffle, and most had a good time dancing to the Radio Lollipop Roadshow before departing into the night and saying they were looking forward to being back for the 20th birthday celebrations in 10 years’ time.

Meridian Television presented their weekly Local Hero award to Radio Lollipop at Southampton General Hospital on 15th October. News presenter Fred Dineage left volunteers speechless when he announced the station had received the award.

“As far as we knew, Meridian were coming to film a feature on the work of Radio Lollipop in Southampton General Hospital”, station chair Steve Read explained. “None of us had any idea that we’d been nominated for this award. It’s a terrific boost to our volunteers, and will raise the profile of our work. I hope anyone watching who found it interesting will consider applying to become a volunteer and join us.”

The broadcast featured an interview in the studio with presenter Martin Day, before showing volunteers at work on the wards. Keith Rickard and Steve Read both spoke about the contribution Radio Lollipop can make to a child’s recovery. UK Trustee Sue Burr accepted the award on behalf of the station.