Oxford United’s Men’s and Women’s teams dropped off presents generously donated by the players for young patients staying at the Oxford Children’s Hospital this festive period.
Dozens of gifts, including toys and games, were given to young patients at the Children’s Hospital, on the John Radcliffe Hospital site and part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), on Thursday 19 December.
Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Tyler Goodrham, Mark Harris, and Cameron Brannagan from the U’s Men’s Team, and Ellie-Mae Richardson and Lucy Trinder from the Women’s Team gave presents and even enjoyed a kickabout with some of the children.
The afternoon was another symbol of Oxford United's commitment to the community, on a day that all the children and adults involved will remember.
Oxford United have also been supporting Oxford Hospitals Charity’s Christmas Superheroes Appeal, through which individuals and organisations can help fund tools, equipment, and specialist training to help clinical teams provide care that makes children in hospital feel like superheroes.
Elliott Moore, Men's captain, said: "To come in and hand presents to the children here at the John Radcliffe is a fantastic thing to do and it's always a privilege.
"To be able to see smiles on the faces of the children is a really nice feeling and one me and the rest of the team feel honoured to have been part of.
"The community is massive for us as a Club - it makes us who we are. It's so important to give back, especially at this time of the year and I hope all of the children and staff at hospital have a wonderful Christmas."
Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at OUH, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Oxford United back to the Oxford Children’s Hospital. We are so thankful to the club for their donations – the gifts will make such a positive difference to our young patients and their families.
“Not only that, but fans have also been generously contributing to Oxford Hospitals Charity’s Christmas Superheroes Appeal that makes such a positive difference to patients – at Christmas and across the year. We truly appreciate the fans’ kindness and selflessness.”
Oxford United fans can help make a difference this Christmas by donating via the Oxford Hospitals Charity website.
Jamie French, Hospital Engagement Manager at Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “We had great fun at the Oxford United visit. It’s so important for young patients in hospital to have fun, so watching the smiles and hearing the laughter at the little kick about in the outdoor play areas was a real treat – and of course the gifts they brought were very popular too.
“We are also very grateful to the team for helping to promote our Christmas Appeal this year. Donations help us do so much good in our hospitals at Christmas and throughout the rest of the year too – from toys and playrooms to specialist medical equipment. This year we are focusing on helping our young patients to feel like superheroes, and this visit certainly did that.”
