By Daniela Hernandez
PLAYERS from Oxford United’s men’s and women’s teams dropped off presents and even found time for a kick around on their annual Christmas visit to Oxford Children’s Hospital.
Players visited the hospital on Monday morning to hand out dozens of gifts generously donated by the League One club’s fans before heading off to an afternoon training session.
The visit was led by play specialists, and players met children on six wards, delivering a range of presents including toys, games, and colouring books.
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The team members delighted patients and staff when they came to visit. Gemma Preddy, ward sister on Bellhouse Ward, said: "We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Oxford United to the children’s hospital.
"They brought smiles to the patients staying on the wards – and some were able to enjoy a quick kickabout with the players.
"Thank you so much to the Oxford United supporters who have donated so many gifts.
"They make a real difference to our patients and their families, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.”
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The visit kept up the club's annual Christmas tradition.
Peter Rhoades-Brown, a former Oxford United player and current business development manager at the club, said: "Visiting Oxford Children’s Hospital is always a special day.
"I want to say a massive 'thank you' to the supporters for our biggest ever haul of presents.”
Oxford Children’s Hospital is regarded as a leading children's hospital in the UK and families from across the county come so their children can receive specialist care and support.
Around 60,000 children a year are looked after by the hospital, from babies to teenagers.
The hospital also helps to fund family accommodation, improve play areas and to cover the cost of new medical equipment.
On Monday this week former Arsenal footballer and Oxford resident Martin Keown unveiled the new £14m Ronald McDonald House at the Headington hospital complex, which will soon provide accommodation for parents whose children are being treated there.
Close to £15 million was initially raised to help create the children’s hospital, and a 10th anniversary £2 million appeal is now helping to 'fund the very best patient monitor systems across all hospital areas in the trust that care for children, microbiology equipment to quickly diagnose meningitis in just two hours (rather than two days)'.
This would not be possible without charitable support and donations. See hospitalcharity.co.uk/fundraising
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