An Oxford charity recently welcomed back two of its most dedicated supporters who raised more than £200,000 over a 10 year spell.
Dan Hancocks and Anthony Surley visited Oxford Children's Hospital last month having raised the total for Oxford Hospitals Charity between 2010 and 2020.
The hospital is a project close to their hearts, after both their sons received treatment there over a decade ago.
Mr Surley's son was born in 2009 with a rare gastroenterological disease, while Mr Hancocks' son was born a few months later, requiring major bowel surgery.
The pair responded by raising money through holding charity golf days.
Oxford Hospitals Charity said the series of fundraisers were "a remarkable achievement that has had a lasting impact on the hospital and its young patients".
The idea for the event was ignited when Mr Surley and Mr Hancocks attended a charity golf day, inspiring them to start their own.
The duo, with the support of Penny, the charity's events coordinator at the time, established their popular golf day in 2010.
Various contributors, including auctioneer Nathan Swift, Aubergine's PR team and a group of friends and colleagues, helped to attract golfers who returned year after year.
The money raised has directly benefited young patients, with funding going towards state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, sensory equipment, paediatric gastroenterology equipment and a parent’s sitting room.
It has also supported the charity's appeal towards helping to build a new 62-bedroom Ronald McDonald facility for families of children under the hospital's care.
This amenity would provide accessible accommodation for families of children receiving care in the hospital.
The visit saw both father's reconnecting with the hospital staff and enjoying tea and cake.
It also saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to be displayed in honour of both men, and their supporters.
The charity said the plaque will "be proudly displayed in the children’s hospital as a lasting testament to the incredible contributions made by Dan, Anthony, and their supporters".
Graham Douglas, CEO of Oxford Hospitals Charity, added: "We are immensely grateful to Dan and Anthony for joining us at the hospital and sharing a memorable afternoon.
"It was wonderful to see Dan's son and daughter as well as many ward staff and play specialists."
He continued: "To this day, Dan and Anthony are still among our highest fundraisers for the charity, and the afternoon felt like a fitting tribute to them.
"It was also so lovely to welcome back our colleague Penny Hambridge who did so much to help our children’s hospital".
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