SHOOTING Star Children’s Hospices has launched Shooting Star Unwrapped, the charity’s first official podcast, hosted by Executive Vice-President Karen Sugarman MBE.
Released fortnightly, the new series features heartfelt and inspiring conversations with some of the UK’s most recognisable names from entertainment, music and television. Guests share stories from their lives and careers, reflect on personal experiences and discuss their connection to Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.
The launch is especially significant as Karen Sugarman marks 40 years working in cancer and palliative care. Since joining Shooting Star in 2003, she has become a passionate advocate for children’s hospices, helping to raise awareness and support for families facing the challenges of life-limiting illness and bereavement.
The series launched on 15 September with two high-profile guests. Episode one features legendary actress and long-time Shooting Star Vice-President Dame Joan Collins DBE, while episode two welcomes singer, broadcaster and Vice-President Michael Ball OBE.
Future episodes will feature acclaimed actress Brenda Blethyn OBE, singer Tony Hadley MBE, actor Philip Glenister MBE, award-winning lyricist Don Black and entertainer Julian Clary.
Every episode includes a personal twist, with guests invited to bring along a favourite sweet treat to share over tea. These simple moments help unlock treasured memories, humorous anecdotes and heartfelt conversations.
Alongside the podcast, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices has launched a Virtual Charity Shop auction, running from 15 September to 15 December 2026. Each celebrity guest has donated a unique item or experience to raise funds for the charity, including:
- A Valentino clutch bag gifted to Dame Joan Collins by Valentino himself
- Six VIP tickets, champagne and a meet-and-greet with Michael Ball at the London Palladium
- Four VIP tickets and a meet and greet with Tony Hadley
- An original signed Ashes to Ashes script donated by Philip Glenister
- A handwritten copy of the lyrics to Diamonds Are Forever from Don Black
- Julian Clary’s own red dinner jacket
- A personalised signed copy of Brenda Blethyn’s memoir Mixed Fancies
Karen Sugarman MBE said:
“I am proud to mark 40 years in cancer and palliative care and incredibly honoured to host Shooting Star Unwrapped. I hope this podcast will highlight the importance of the hospice movement. The work of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is vital, and we need to be there to support and care for families going through the most unimaginable circumstances now and long into the future. I am thrilled to welcome so many special celebrity guests who give their time tirelessly, and very grateful to our series one sponsor Jet2.”
Michael Ball OBE said:
“One should always pay it forward. If you see something, or are lucky enough to have help from somebody, you need to pay that forward to the next people, so that your experiences can help the next lot in whatever way you can.”
Shooting Star Unwrapped is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
