A bunny, a bee and a chicken were among a host of Easter characters who hopped into hospitals and care settings across Oxfordshire, as Didcot-born charity Play2Give celebrated its biggest-ever Easter egg drive – smashing all previous records.
The charity said it was “egg-static” at the extraordinary response from the community, with its sixth annual appeal surpassing expectations to deliver a record number of donations. Thousands of Easter eggs were collected and distributed to patients and families in hospitals, hospices, and care settings, as well as to those with disabilities and others in need.
To mark the occasion, volunteers donned colourful Easter costumes – including a hen, cockerel and even a carrot – bringing smiles, laughter and a welcome sense of fun to those spending the holiday period in care.
Patients of all ages benefited, including those at the Children’s Hospital at the John Radcliffe, as nearly 2,100 Easter eggs were handed out to spread seasonal cheer. Over the course of two months, the charity rallied support for its annual campaign, with more donation points and contributors than ever before.
Donations poured in from across the region – including Didcot, Oxford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney and Newbury – with businesses, cafés, shops, gyms, schools and community groups all playing their part. Additional funds raised online also enabled the charity to purchase extra eggs, alongside craft and activity packs.
In total, more than 2,070 Easter eggs were collected and distributed – an increase of almost 400 on last year’s total. Of these, over 600 were delivered to young patients at the Children’s Hospital and Banbury’s children’s wards, as well as to families in neonatal care units.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers spent hours sorting and counting donations, overwhelmed by what they described as “cracking” community support. As well as children, beneficiaries included young carers, adults with brain injuries, and families facing challenging circumstances.
Eggs were also distributed to patients across Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, including those receiving cancer and dementia care, as well as patients in neurosciences and neurological rehabilitation wards. Sobell House hospice in Oxford, Summerfield House in Abingdon, and other care centres across the county also received donations.
Founded in 2007 by Didcot’s Andy Baker, Play2Give will mark its 20th anniversary next year. Andy began fundraising as a teenager following brain surgery at the age of 12, motivated by a desire to give back to the hospital that supported him – a mission that continues to shape the charity’s work today.
Over the past two decades, Play2Give has supported a wide range of local organisations, including Oxford Head Injury Services, where a recently opened sensory space named “Andy’s Room” stands as a tribute to his efforts. The charity remains focused on improving lives and supporting communities across Oxfordshire.
Andy said:
“The fantastic kindness of all those who donated brought plenty of smiles to the faces of everyone who received them.
“We’re always grateful for the ‘egg-ceptional’ and heart-warming support, and extend our enormous thanks to everyone who helped us achieve this incredible record. It simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”
For more information about Play2Give, or to support next year’s Easter egg appeal, visit play2give.org.uk.
