Kids at the Gold Coast University Hospital were treated with an uplifting distraction when Police Officer, Sergeant Chris Lynch came to visit. Sergeant Lynch spent time with each child and was able to answer questions and share interesting and fun facts about the job of a policeman.
“Apart from helping to make the kids’ stay more enjoyable, I want to show them that the police are there to help and that we’re friendly,” said Sergeant Lynch.
Throughout his visit children could wear a policeman’s hat, fingerprint and have a mock mug shot taken. They especially enjoyed fingerprinting and the fact that no one had one like theirs because each and every one is unique.
The children were entertained for hours and the fun continued with Sergeant Lynch giving each child a police themed colouring-in activity sheet.
Three-year-old twins, Ryder and Jesse (pictured), were excited to meet Sergeant Lynch and wear a real policeman’s hat for their mug shot.
The surprise visit was organised by Radio Lollipop Gold Coast who aim to make a child’s stay in hospital less frightening and more fun.
“Radio Lollipop has really saved the day – it’s always the best time of the day,” said Jaye, Ryder and Jesse’s mum. Sergeant Lynch accompanied Radio Lollipop volunteers Cristle, Bert, Liz and Jaime (pictured) on one of their regular Paediatrics ward visits.
In 2015, Radio Lollipop Gold Coast is expanding to include visits to Children’s Emergency and the Children’s Critical Care Unit (ICU) to see their service reach more sick children than ever before.