Chandra Ittoo reports on the Race for the Kids event earlier in June……

‘The rain was pouring and the grass was muddy but this didn’t stop three bubbly volunteers Claire Matthews (who had just finished a night shift), Nicola Scanlon (who was working and preparing for an exam) and Chandra Ittoo (who had just finish a 55-hour week) turning up to the Race for the Kids event in Battersea Park on Sunday 12th June. Out came the poster paper, glue (lots of it), colouring pencils and inflatables, before you knew it the children swarmed around and wanted to do some cool stuff with Radio Lollipop. While the children worked their magic with the glue it gave parents and guardians the chance to grab a cup of tea. Not only did the children think that Radio Lollipop were great but the parents did too. This was a great way for Radio Lollipop to support Great Ormond Street and continue to build on the fabulous relationship already in place. The volunteers were able to bring back the posters created and display them in the tube…a little bit of interior design!’

Barclays Bank, Argyle Street gave Radio Lollipop their branch for the day, well they allowed us to hold a Roadshow! We had fun interacting with customers. A fantastic amount of £470 was raised on the day and Barclays are going to match it giving Radio Lollipop, Glasgow an amazing £940 to allow us to continue our fantastic service to the children in Yorkhill Hospital. Thank you very much to everyone in Barclays and all Barclays customers.

The Radio Lollipop volunteer team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, helped celebrate it’s 30th anniversary last week. There was music, games (including ‘Guess The Monkey’s Name!), as well as ‘Pick A Ticket’ (with prizes for most!) and a large birthday cake! Visitors, staff and patients at the hospital also saw a Wills and Katies cardboard cut-out – all kitted out with the Radio Lollipop t-shirt and cap! Happy birthday to the Birmingham volunteer team!

Nando’s on Bristol’s Park Street launched its partnership with Royal Children’s Hospital Radio Lollipop on Monday 16 May with a fun-packed kid’s activity day to kick start the fundraising effort and raise awareness of the radio station and the vital role it plays in supporting children and their families.

Kicking off at midday, there was free balloons for children, a Nando’s crockery sale, free food sampling and a raffle with amazing prizes including the jackpot prize of free Nando’s food for a month! Over £500 was raised!

Nando’s Park Street Restaurant Manager Maynaz Iqbal (pictured with Nando’s mascot) comments:
“We wanted to contribute to a good cause and for it to be a local Children’s charity and decided on Radio Lollipop because it is run by volunteers and we liked the work they do.”

We were really grateful for their help, time and commitment and cant wait for the next event in a few months!