Radio Lollipop throws big party for its 40th birthday

Radio Lollipop celebrated forty years of broadcasting and bedside entertainment by throwing a big party.

Lollipop Live! was hosted at Evelina London for the second year running, with entertainers, singers, and a kids author.

The party also included the Urban Fox Orchestra steel drum band.

Twelve-year-old DJRJ was put in joint command of the cake-cutting ceremony, who since learning about Radio Lollipop during his time in hospital was inspired to become a radio presenter and has taken the steps to set up a hospital radio station of his own in his local hospital.

DJRJ, real name Robin, says of the charity, “I really love Radio Lollipop because when I was in hospital, they helped me through the hard times. Happy Birthday!”

Radio Lollipop broadcast the whole show live from within the open-plan Atrium throughout the hospital.

Radio Lollipop International founder Hedley Finn MBE says: “We have reached a significant milestone, with 40 years of service; over 13,000 volunteers have provided our unique brand of radio and play to over 10 million children in hospital and their families. We are very proud of the contribution we have been able to make delivering this unique service.

“Our key role is to help the children feel special, important and involved, we do this using craft activity, music, prizes, play and socialisation as part of the magic mix we deliver every single day around the world.

“Currently, we have over 1,500 volunteers delivering our service; these amazing people give their time to help sick children in their communities in a very special way. We are very grateful for their time, their support and their humanity”.