A LOTTERY winner has brought the gift of Christmas cheer to sick children at the Oxford hospital where she and her three children were born.

Charmaine Watson, from Eynsham, was a single mother living on benefits when she scooped £2.3m on the National Lottery in August 2005.

Since then Mrs Watson, nee Collins, has gone on to marry and have a further two children with her husband Robby.

This week she visited Oxford Children’s Hospital, at the John Radcliffe, to deliver a giant Advent calendar packed full of toys for children who face Christmas in the unit.

Mrs Watson said she wanted to donate to the John Radcliffe as both she and her three children, Ryan, six, Georgia, three-and-a-half, and Daniel, one, were born there.

She said: “I recognise how lucky I have been in life, not only with a National Lottery win but more importantly having three healthy children.

“The delivery of the giant Advent calendar is my way of giving a little something back this Christmas.

“I feel especially strongly about supporting the Children’s Hospital because as a mum of three, goodness knows, I might need their help one day.”

More than 65,000 children are treated in Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals(ORH) NHS Trust facilities every year, with hundreds of seriously ill children faced with the prospect of spending the run-up to Christmas in hospital this year.

Among them is six-year-old Anton Rego, from Aylesbury, who is suffering from a form of cancer called medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour.

He is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the unit, but is allowed to go home just before Christmas.

Anton’s mother Sarah Rego said despite his illness her son loved being at the ‘fun unit’ because nurses and doctors always took the time to play with him and cheer him up.

Mrs Rego, 23, said: “Anton actually loves being here. He prefers it to home! He was so excited when the Advent calendar was brought in.

“When his dad came to visit it brought a tear to his eye to see Anton so happy.”

Mrs Rego said she could not speak highly enough of staff at the unit for what they have done for her son. She said: “They go beyond just doing their jobs for the children here. They are exceptional.”

Penny Hambridge, children's development officer for the ORH, accepted the 1.5 metre tall Advent calendar on behalf of the children and staff.

She said: “We are fortunate to be so well supported by our local community in all manner of ways but I have to admit this is the first time we have received a giant Advent calendar, or indeed a visit from a National Lottery winner.

“The calendar will really help us to get our Christmas celebrations under way and will be a welcome distraction for the children and families who will be spending time in the hospital in the coming weeks.”