I was a bit miserable about coming

“I requested some songs and I played a game that was fun and I won! 

I haven’t been in hospital since I was one, so I quite enjoy it because I was a bit miserable about coming and then I got quite cheered up”

Maya, Age 10 – Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Scotland

Not a frilly add-on

“Radio Lollipop is not a frilly add-on. It is really helpful clinically – a calm child recovers better. Every member of staff and parent and child think it is fantastic…”

Madeline Ismach, Head of Psychosocial Services – Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, England

Dad, the pain has gone

“Michael (another Volunteer) and I were playing Jenga with a 9 year old boy and his dad. They were both really kind, lovely people and we had great banter. I love when the parents play because I think they deserve some entertainment too!

Midway through our first game the young boy turns to his father and says Dad, the pain has gone. The young boy had been in ICU that day and his throat and face was very swollen. The father replies, that’s because Radio Lollipop are here playing with you and making you laugh.

... And that’s why we are here!”

Ashleigh, Radio Lollipop Volunteer – Brisbane, Australia

We would cuddle up on her hospital bed

“We were told to expect the worst. We were informed that if she made it through, she wouldn’t wake up being the same Abbie we knew.

When Abbie woke from the coma, the only form of therapy that was suitable to her recovery was an hour of radio, streamed by Radio Lollipop everyday. We had to make sure she wasn’t overly stimulated because of her brain injury.

So every day we would cuddle up on her hospital bed and listen to Radio Lollipop and she would become so relaxed.”

Tristan, Abbie's Father – Christchurch, New Zealand

It really cheered me up, and so I want to give back

“My little sister and I would like to bake cookies to give to the Radio Lollipop volunteers.

... I chose Radio Lollipop because I've visited many times with CubeeKiz and then when I was in hospital last year the Radio Lollipop volunteers visited me and played games with me.

It brightened the entire stay in the hospital. It really cheered me up, and so I want to give back.”

Mia, Former Patient – Auckland, New Zealand

Forty years on

“I met Casey, a dad ... He came up with his baby and one of his daughters. When he arrived, he walked into the studio – and then started to cry!...

The reason was because he has spent a whole year at Princess Margaret Hospital here in Perth and then many years of follow-up treatment as a child in 1985 – he then explained he remembers so much about Radio Lollipop and how the volunteers made him forget why he was there.

He was absolutely thrilled (and emotional) to see that the service was still the same, request a song and hear it on the radio, be a DJ and colour a picture or quiz and win a prize.

Casey went on to tell me he still has two of our stickers, saved (from 1985) at home and a postcard he was given by one of the Lollipop volunteers!”

Melissa, Radio Lollipop – Perth, Australia

You are the best thing about TCH

“Thank you so very much for making my stay here at TCH tolerable, memorable, and I dare say, for those 2 hours, twice a week, downright ‘enjoyable’. You are all the best and I love and will miss you very much.

... You are the best thing about TCH, and thank you all for the time you give to me, and all the kids here at TCH.

I love and will miss you all.”

Madison, Patient – Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA

A breath of fresh air

“We met Radio Lollipop volunteers on a recent stay in the Great North Children's Hospital. Betsy was absolutely delighted to make new friends!

As a parent who is caring for your child 24/7 and trying to keep them entertained whilst stuck in a hospital bed, attached to oxygen, having the Radio Lollipop Volunteers come in and engage my daughter with activities and the lovely goodie bag was a breath of fresh air and was very much needed.

The two lollipop volunteers were absolutely lovely with Betsy. So patient and kind.

... Thank you so much to everyone who makes this happen.”

Rachel, Betsy's Mum – Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle, England

I could literally be best friends with them!

“Just wanted to reach out and say a big thank you on behalf of my family – my fifteen-year-old daughter is in QEUH and struggling with pain and nausea after a bike crash and was visited yesterday by Sarah, Monica and Lucy (I think!) – they played Uno, chatted and got some requests played for her (Killers and Chappell Roan if interested) – she said:

‘That was so good! It kept me distracted and I didn't feel sick at all!’

‘They were so nice, I could literally be best friends with them!’

Very high praise from a teenager who hasn't been interested in much else while in hospital, and a great distraction from scrolling!

... Thanks for giving up your time to improve hers (and ours as parents).”

Ian Price, Father – Glasgow, Scotland

They helped him feel included

“My family and I are currently in hospital with my daughter, who is only 10 weeks old and has been in and out of hospital since she was just 3 days old. During this incredibly difficult time, your volunteers have made such a huge difference to us.

They haven’t just supported the children on the ward, but also siblings and families. My 2-year-old son has really benefited from the time, care, and attention they’ve given him from the toys and bubbles to the karaoke. They’ve helped keep his spirits up and made him feel included during a time when so much focus has had to be elsewhere.”

Skeira, Parent – Scotland

Those memories will stay with us forever

“We are originally from Christchurch, New Zealand and we had a beautiful daughter named Maddison (Maddie for short).

Maddie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2021 and spent around 10 months in hospital during her treatment. Sadly, she passed away.

During that time, she absolutely loved spending time with the wonderful Radio Lollipop team. She always looked forward to playing games, drawing and doing arts and crafts with the Lollipop volunteers.

The kindness and support from the Radio Lollipop team meant so much to our family. Not only did you bring joy and laughter to Maddie during an incredibly difficult time, but you also gave Ben and me a few precious moments to regroup, prepare dinner, get our newborn settled, and simply catch our breath.

Those memories will stay with us forever, and we will always be deeply grateful.”

Mandy and Ben, Maddie's Parents – Christchurch, New Zealand