Rob Hall was happy to help spread a little early Christmas cheer yesterday when he spent the afternoon with the Fryett Family in Berinsfield.
The family touched Rob’s heart when we visited Helen and Douglas House at the start of the season and Rob met sons Eathan and Harvey Fryett, who are big Oxford United fans and have been visiting Helen House for many years with their younger sister Mia, who has benefited hugely from the support and help that staff at Helen and Douglas House have provided.
After our initial visit Rob auctioned a pair of his match boots for Mia, and fan Adam Slade bid £220. When we told him we were visiting the family he told us: “Round it up to £300, it’s Christmas.”
Rob then insisted on delivering the money in person and keeper Simon Eastwood chipped in with a pair of signed gloves. But as a special surprise, Rob also gave the family the shirt he scored an emotional first goal after injury in, against Sunderland.
“It was the least I could do,” he told us. “They are an amazing family and spending a couple of hours with them was a pleasure. Mia is doing really well and the time flew because they are Oxford fans who have amazing stories about supporting the club over the years.
“They will be our guests against Shrewsbury next week and spending time with them and having a coffee was a real privilege.”