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 called on the public to help raise the last £3,000 needed to fund a high-tech "LolliTrollie" for the children's wards.

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

Charitable organisation Cash for Kids has pledged to match every pound raised, meaning Radio Lollipop only needs to find half of the remaining £6,000.

Help bring music and magic to young patients with the new LolliTrollieHelp bring music and magic to young patients with 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 bedsidesCash 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.

"Every donation to help us get this across the line will be massively appreciated."

Radio Lollipop has urged people to donate whatever they can to help fund the LolliTrollie.

The charity believes that the new equipment will make a significant difference in the lives of the young patients at Southampton General Hospital.