Volunteer uses charm to cheer up sick kids

Port Kennedy resident Suzanne Fraser spends her Tuesdays as a Radio Lollipop volunteer using her charm to cheer up sick children at Rockingham General Hospital.

The Radio Lollipop charity began in 1985 and is devoted to providing care, comfort, play and entertainment for sick children in hospital all-year round.

The 61-year-old said there was nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up with a smile.

‘‘I started just over a year ago because I wanted to work with children and see the expressions on their faces—it is nice to see a smile on a child’s face’’ she said.

‘‘You’re not just mixing with the children you are mixing with the parents or whoever happens to be in with the child and sometimes the adult needs someone to talk to as well because it can get lonely for them as well.’’

Mrs Fraser said she wore a multicoloured feather boa and blew bubbles to get a smile out of the children.

‘‘We basically go in and talk to the mother and we offer a little gift and it just leads on from there. Each case is different because some children might be quite ill and others may want to have a little bit of fun, so I get the bubbles out and blow and you watch their expressions on their little faces and it really is a rewarding thing to do,’’ she said.

‘‘The staff are really lovely and every time I come in I feel very welcome. They go out of their way to help us.’’

Mrs Fraser said Radio Lollipop was holding a fundraising competition to help ensure Radio Lollipop can continue to deliver its services.

For more information visit www.goldenticket.net.au.