This week has been one of those rare and unforgettable moments in my writing journey. I had the honour of being interviewed on BBC Radio Humberside from the comfort of my own home. My nerves certainly made themselves known, but the experience turned out to be truly magical.

I was invited onto the programme to talk about something incredibly special. Gez Reilly’s inspiring project with Scunthorpe Hospital Radio is beginning to touch the hearts of so many people. Gez has started to build a library of recorded stories for children staying on the Disney Ward at Scunthorpe General Hospital. Some of these little ones have long stays ahead of them. Some don’t receive many visitors. All of them deserve a moment of joy, imagination and escape from the clinical world around them.

Gez’s vision is simple but powerful. He wants to surround these children with stories that comfort them, entertain them and help them drift into different worlds for a little while. When he asked if I would record something from my Hoglets series, I didn’t hesitate.

Recording Hoglets’ Christmas Magic for the Children

Before the BBC interview, I had the pleasure of recording a reading of Hoglets’ Christmas Magic for Scunthorpe Hospital Radio. Recording it from the studio, I felt completely connected to the purpose behind it. I pictured the children who might one day hear Primrose and Prickles and their cosy Christmas adventure.

As I read, I imagined those little faces listening from their hospital beds, perhaps during a quiet afternoon or a difficult moment when they needed to escape a clinical environment. That thought filled me with warmth. It reminded me why I love writing for children. Stories can wrap around a child like a soft blanket and bring comfort where it’s needed most.

The BBC Radio Humberside Experience

On the morning of the live interview, I sat at home with my notes, a cup of tea and a rather jumpy heartbeat. Once the conversation started, everything flowed beautifully. The host was warm and genuinely interested in the project. I had the chance to talk about Gez’s kindness and dedication, and I was also able to read a small snippet from Hoglets’ Christmas Magic for listeners.

It felt wonderful to shine a light on the good work being done for the children on the Disney Ward. Gez’s project is filled with love. It shows these young patients that they’re not forgotten and that their community wants to bring them comfort through stories told with care and heart.

Hoping for More Voices to Join In

One of the most uplifting parts of this experience is seeing how many local authors and storytellers are beginning to step forward. I truly hope many more will join Gez and contribute to this growing collection of stories. Every voice has the power to lift a child’s spirit. Every book holds the potential to brighten a difficult day.

A Final Thought

When the interview ended, I felt a warm sense of achievement. Stories have a special way of bringing people together, even when we’re not in the same room. They help us feel lighter and more connected to one another.

I’m incredibly grateful to Gez for inviting me to be part of such a heartfelt venture, and to BBC Radio Humberside for giving us the opportunity to share it with the wider community.

Here’s to kindness, creativity and the gentle power of a story read with love.
And here is to the Hoglets, who are always ready to bring a little magic wherever they go.

🦔✨📚