Radio Lollipop sets sights on quiz night

Radio Lollipop, hospital-based station first started in the UK more than 30 years ago is gearing up its annual quiz night at Starship Hospital – and hopes to raise $20,000.

HANGING WITH THE KIDS: Auckland Mayor Len Brown hangs out in the studio with siblings Sinead Liddell-Anderson, 10, Liam, 7, and Jamie, 5, during a recent visit to Starship Hospital. (this photo was supplied)

Radio Lollipop will host the quiz night in November as part of its annual fundraising.

Any money raised will go towards refurbishing and modernising the studio. It will also purchase a new laptop and equipment to digitalise the station’s catalogue of music.

Radio Lollipop was started by Hedley Finn and Dave Glass in the UK in 1979 at St Mary’s Hospital for Children in Surrey.

Over the years, it has expanded to boast stations in numerous hospitals throughout the UK, New Zealand, America, and Australia.

A team of trained and dedicated volunteers visit children in the wards to provide one-on-one play and entertainment.

The station at Starship was established 21 years ago and now has a team of 130 volunteers, aged between 18 and the mid-60s.

The children can also tune into the radio station, call the studio, make requests, and shout outs. If they are able, they can visit the studio and participate in activities in Starship’s atrium.

Radio Lollipop chair and volunteer of eight years, Angela Mackie, loves nothing more than spending an evening on the wards after a hard day at work.

“I absolutely love it,” says the New Lynn resident.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be with children and their families at a time that is quite rough for them. This can be the only bit of fun or normality that they get. You always leave with a smile on your face.”

“We want to make it more interesting for the children,” says Mrs Mackie.

“There’s a lot of competition too. Shortland Street is on every night and the children have their own Wii’s, PlayStation, and such like.

“We just want to make it more modern and the parents love it. It’s good to have some people interaction.”

Mrs Mackie says there are two important factors in deciding to become a Radio Lollipop volunteer.

“You have to love kids and got to have fun.”

Radio Lollipop quiz night is on November 30th, from 7pm at the Empire Tavern, 137 Victoria St West, CBD. Tickets cost $20 each. Tables of 10 cost $150. Over 18s only.

Email fundraise.starship@radiolollipop.org to purchase tickets or for more information.