U’s spread Christmas joy in Oxford Children’s Hospital visit

Players from Oxford United Football Club’s Men's and Women's teams dropped off presents generously donated by the club 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.

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.

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 also makes a difference to patients – at Christmas and across the year. We truly appreciate the fans' kindness and selflessness."

Oxford United fans can donate 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."

U’s captain Elliott Moore said: "Days like today are special for me and the rest of the team. To be able to give back to children at this time of year and help put a smile on their face is a wonderful thing.

"Oxford United is proud to represent its community and we play an important part as players within that. It is extremely touching to be here, and I hope all the children and staff at the John Radcliffe can enjoy a wonderful Christmas."

Pictured, from left: Jo Pinney (Health Play Specialist Team Manager at OUH); Men's team players Sam Long, Cameron Brannagan, Elliott Moore, Tyler Goodrham, Mark Harris; Women's team players Ellie-Mae Richardson and Lucy Trinder; Lynn Banerji (Hospital Engagement Officer at Oxford Hospitals Charity). Credit: Oxford Medical Illustration