Last push to raise £3,000 for high-tech 'trolley' for young hospital patients

A final fundraising push has been launched to provide a mini radio station on wheels for young patients at Southampton General Hospital.

Radio Lollipop Southampton has appealed to the community to assist in raising the final £3,000 required to finance a cutting-edge "LolliTrolley" for the pediatric units.

The multi-sensory equipment is designed to capture the attention of children and distract them from their illnesses.

The charitable organization Cash for Kids has committed to matching all funds raised, which means Radio Lollipop now only needs to secure half of the outstanding £6,000.

Aid in bringing melody and enchantment to youthful patients through the introduction of the new LolliTrollie. (Image: Radio Lollipop) Tina Jones, Radio Lollipop Southampton trustee, said: "Our volunteers currently visit with a traditional trolley laden with games, puzzles, colouring and crafts, which really help to break the boredom and relieve any anxiety.

"The children's smiles and laughter make everything worthwhile for us; it is a fantastic feeling to finish a visit knowing you have made a difference.

"Having our own LolliTrollie will take things to the next level, allowing us to bring music, lights and more to the hospital bedside."

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The fully-loaded trolley, designed by Radio Lollipop founder Hedley Finn OBE, features bubbles, disco lights, fibre optics, karaoke gear and a balloon pump.

Cash for Kids to match donations in drive to boost playtime at hospital bedsides (Image: Radio Lollipop) It is described as the latest innovation in play technology.

The equipment costs £12,000, but Radio Lollipop Southampton is already halfway there thanks to the efforts of national fundraiser Denise Norman.

She donated £1,000 herself and successfully applied for a £5,000 grant from The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust, which supports good causes mainly in Hampshire and West Sussex.

Now, Radio Lollipop is appealing to individuals, families, and businesses to help raise the remaining £3,000.

Tina added: "We are extremely grateful to Denise, as well as Cash for Kids for so generously offering to match-fund what we raise.

All contributions to help us reach the finish line will be greatly valued.

Radio Lollipop has encouraged individuals to contribute what they can to support the funding of the LolliTrollie.

The charity feels that the new equipment will substantially impact the lives of young patients at Southampton General Hospital.