Radio Lollipop Bristol took to the ice on Thursday 29th May for an extra exclusive session provided free of charge by John Nike Leisuresport who owns Bristol Ice Rink. All ticket money went directly to Radio Lollipop and was at a reduced rate of £3.50 for the session, which included skate hire. Doors opened at 6.15pm and skating started at 6.30pm and finished at 8pm. The evening was a success. Everyone had great fun and the Bristol Evening Post covered the event. Thanks to Eddie Pearson the General Manager at John Nike and to Jen Harris, our Fundraiser for arranging the event.

Radio Lollipop Edinburgh have recently purchased a Wii to add to their selection of toys and games used on the wards at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. The Wii has been a resounding success with the children on the wards, including 5 year old Caitlin Stewart (pictured).

Radio Lollipop Edinburgh was able to buy the Wii with funding provided by RBS.

Radio in tune with sick kids
Radio Lollipop celebrated five years at St John of God Hospital Murdoch last week with a party for the children.

Radio Lollipop founder Hedley Finn made a special visit to the hospital to visit the sick children. He started the program at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children in Surrey, England, in 1978 with the first radio show airing on May 5, 1979. “The original concept was created to bring the children together for activities and as we’ve grown, we’ve learned that radio is about using your imagination just like playing games is about using your imagination so the two came together very well,” he said. “I’m very proud of the superb team effort here at St John of God Hospital Murdoch because it’s all about visual entertainment and putting a smile on children’s faces.”

Radio Lollipop helps sick children through laughter and play. Run entirely by volunteers, it is all about providing the children in the ward with fun including reading stories, playing games and running competitions. They also provide companionship and a person to talk to, to help ease their fear and anxiety during their hospital stay. Volunteer Coordinator Glenice Sanders said there was no in-house radio station at St John of God Hospital Murdoch so volunteers made a point of visiting and spending time with every child in the ward. “We have two volunteers each day and they work in the wards on a one-to-one basis,” she said. “We’re all about having serious fun and making the kids smile.”

Radio Lollipop Edinburgh recently asked all patients to design an image to celebrate their Black Tie Ball event. Children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee took part in the competition. The successful image was designed by Nicole McIntosh, aged 16 who was a patient at Ninewells Hospital.

Nicole will receive the prize of a fantastic disco ball plus her own professionally printed copy of her picture. The picture is being used to promote the Black Tie Ball and is appearing on the tickets and in the event brochure. The Ball is taking place on Friday 3rd October at the Roxburghe Hotel in Edinburgh. For further information about the event please contact louise.trow@radiolollipop.org.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the competition.