Welsh spread Christmas cheer
Christmas came early to the Children's Wards at the John Radcliffe's Hospital, Oxford, on Friday afternoon, as members of the London Welsh squad dropped in to hand out presents very generously donated by the Club's supporters to its Christmas Toy Appeal.
Sporting Father Christmas hats and weighed down by large Santa sacks filled with goodies, Alan Awcock, Darren Waters, Jimmy Litchfield and Tim Molenaar, along with a festive looking Dewi the Dragon, turned Father Christmas for a day as the children on Kamran's, Melanie's, Tom's, Robin's, Thomas Waley-Cohen and the Children's Critical Care Wards all received a visit.
"All of the children loved meeting Dewi and to see their delight when we handed out the presents was great. It was really nice to see that our visit put a smile on their faces.
"Christmas is a wonderfully special time but it can also be very difficult for children, and their families, who have to spend the festive period in hospital, and coming here today was just a small gesture towards trying to brighten up their afternoon.
"A big thank you to all of our supporters who donated a gift – it was definitely much appreciated by the children we saw today," London Welsh's Alan Awcock said.
Theresa King, Support Worker on Kamran's Ward, expressed her joy.
"It was great to see them. I know the children really appreciate it. It really cheers up their Christmas," she said.
London Welsh continues to reinforce its relationship with the people, businesses and communities across Oxfordshire and has adopted the strap-line 'Premiership Rugby in Oxford – Be part of it'.
