Over the past few weeks Glasgow ward volunteers have been encouraging patients to design christmas cards as part of a competition. All of the cards entered had a chance of winning a brand new MP3 player, kindly donated by the local Mecca Bingo.

A whole bunch of cards were received including some christmas scenes, pictures of Santa and some very sound advice from a 6 year old patient!

All of the cards were entered into a large hat, the first card drawn was the winner. On Thursday 7th December the winning card was chosen and the MP3 player went to Paula Nisbet, aged 13, from Glasgow (pictured above). She was delighted with her prize but a little embarrassed to come down to the studio and collect it.

Well done to Paula and many thanks to all of the patients that took part in the competition.

Newcastle’s rock fans came out in force this year to celebrate the life of DJ Little Jeff, raising masses of cash for Radio Lollipop in the process.

The well-known DJ began his career at Radio Lollipop and this was recognised by Trillians rock bar where “Jeff Fest ’06” was held. The charity night featured live performances and raised in excess of £3000 which was split between three charities chosen by Little Jeff’s family.

“Stuart Davison, manager of the rock bar got in touch to say that we could come down to collect the donation” said Kate Fenwick, a Radio Lollipop volunteer in Newcastle. “We were hoping for maybe £100 or £200 but were totally astonished at the total. I don’t think people always realise how much of a difference a donation of £1000 can make to a small station like ours. It will make a huge difference to our sick kids.

It’s great that Jeff’s family recognise our work and how important it is for children with a whole host of illnesses. It’s a real honour for us and it has helped to raise awareness of the charity amongst a group of people that wouldn’t necessarily normally be associated with children’s radio.”

Some of the donated money will go towards hiring a marquee for our big birthday bash, and the rest will help to buy equipment for our new studio in the new wing of the hospital.

Since July this year the employees of CRS Australia Queensland Divisional Office have taken on to generously support Honorary Chairperson and work colleague Sandra Ursino and Radio Lollipop at the Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

In August the Recruitment team very generously ran a raffle and raised over $150.00 to support Radio Lollipop. The proceeds from the raffle were used to purchase games and craft items regularly used by the children.

In September, Steve Eather (Rugby League Football tipping co-ordinator) presented Sandra with a generous donation from one of the winners in the footy tipping competition. The winner wished to remain anonymous and as a result of their generosity, Radio Lollipop was able to purchase over 40 deluxe colouring books to be included in the Radio Lollipop Welcome Packs which are given out to each new child on their first night in hospital to brighten their stay and make it just that little bit less frightening.

In December, David Taylor from the Information Technology team generously donated a brand new Sony PlayStation Portable (worth $300) to Radio Lollipop. David said “he didn’t play computer games and he thought that the children in hospital could put it to better use”.

Radio Lollipop and the children of the Mater Children’s Hospital sincerely thank the generosity provided by CRS Australia Queensland Divisional Office staff.

Check out the photo (L – R) of CRS Australia Recruitment Consultants Gemma Wood and Leigh Munro presenting Honorary Chairperson Sandra Ursino with the donated games and craft items.

Santa will be making a guest appearance at Radio Lollipop Edinburgh on Monday 18 December 2006 for the now famous Radio Lollipop Christmas Party. Santa, assisted by the Radio Lollipop team will be visiting all the children on the wards in his sleigh to hand out presents and gifts. The radio Lollipop team will also be entertaining the children with their usual mix of games, competitions and craft activities. David Sweeney and Graham Barr will be in the Radio Lollipop studio to provide the best Christmas music and madness to keep Santa and the children entertained.

Radio Lollipop Edinburgh will be broadcasting live from the Edinburgh studio for 10 hours on Boxing day and January 2nd 2007. John Macaulay kicks it all off at 8am on Boxing day followed by Graham Barr at 10am. The ‘Zoo Crew’ take over at 12 noon for 2 hours of madness and mayhem. Kirsty Stewart comes along at 2pm and Sharon Hawkes rounds off the day at 4pm. At 6pm Radio Lollipop 24/7 takes over and entertains the children.

We kick of the New Year in style with another 10 hour broadcast on January 2nd 2007. Everyone gets a long lie on the 2nd as Graham kicks it all off at 10am. David takes over at 12noon with the official 40 biggest selling songs of 2006. Elaine Notman takes over at 2pm followed by Louise Trow at 4pm and Sharon rounds off the live boradcast at 6pm. At 8pm its back to Radio Lollipop 24/7 once again.