Radio Lollipop Gold Coast supported our Go-Kart champion, Mat Pigram, in Ipswich at his race meeting over the weekend.

A fun filled day of Go-Kart spectating was had by some of the volunteers from Radio Lollipop Gold Coast, where Mat took us around the pits and into the starting grid to see all the action up close!

The smell of the oil and the roar of the karts gave us a taste of the thrill and excitement the drivers get as they zoom off down the kilometer-long winding race track.

As we cheered on Mat he had time to wave to us in the stands on the home straight. We all wished him luck and thank Mat for all the support he gives us both on the track and at the hospital for the children.

Crraaazzy Jim and Baaaaaaaaaaaahrmy Andy from Birmingham. Setting up a roadshow for Radio Lollipop, at the Solihull Roundtable event in Brueton Park, Solihull (West Midlands).

A great day had by all, there was live music, live dance acts, a children’s entertainer, Taekwondo, Classic Cars and West Midlands police dogs exhibition, plus lots of stalls, a demonstration by a music school and lots of Lollipop music and fun. Plenty of charities were present, most prominent being Radio Lollipop with the microphone!

Radio Lollipop Gold Coast turned 3 last week and to celebrate such a momentous occasion, we held three huge nights of birthday parties in the Radio Lollipop studio!

We pulled out all the stops and were extremely lucky to have Dora the Explorer, the fabulous Balloon Kings and delightful singer McKenzie all come in to share the fun and games with the children (and the volunteers!).

The very talented “Balloon Kings” visited to make the children some seen-to-be-believed Harley Davidson’s, ladybirds, sharks and many wierd and wonderful animals out of twisted balloons. The Balloon Kings also generously decorated the Radio Lollipop Studio especially for our parties, which looked so colourful and fun.

On Thursday night, regular special guest McKenzie sang some of her fantastic new songs for the children. We’ve planned many more guest appearances for McKenzie in the near future and we are certainly enjoying seeing her bring joy to everyone she performs for. We know that McKenzie has touched many of our visiting children with her enchanting voice.

We were also lucky to have yummy chocolate cakes on each night, including a special cake from Jess, our wacky volunteer, which of course was scoffed down in seconds.

It was party, party, PARTY last week here on the Gold Coast and the wide-eyed children were just as excited as us, jumping with glee all the way. Many parents commented on the enthusiasm and joy that has been brought into the Gold Coast hospital through Radio Lollipop over the past 3 years.

We CAN’T wait for the big number 4 next year, bigger and better!

Radio Lollipop Newcastle are set to benefit from a £1 million fundraising appeal on behalf of children at the new “Great North Children’s Hospital”.

The “Walk in the Park” on August 2nd, organised by the Newcastle Healthcare Charity and the Newcastle Children’s Hospital Fund, is just one of the many events planned to raise funds for all of the charities who will be working directly with children at the new regional hospital.

Other charities who will benefit include the Children’s Cancer Fund, The Children’s Foundation, The Bubble Foundation UK, The Puffin Appeal and The Sick Children’s Trust

If you would like to help to raise funds for Radio Lollipop and the other charities mentioned, please find out more by visiting http://www.gnchappeal.org.uk