Foundation spreads the joy of Christmas to the children in their community

Foundation spread the joy of Christmas to children in their community.

On Wednesday 13^th December 2023, the Foundation were delighted to deliver their annual Christmas gifts to our community hospitals and hospices.

We started off visiting The Royal Berkshire Hospital, in Reading, and as you will see in the picture, we were joined by an amazing group of NHS staff to receive the gifts, we thank them for all their commitment throughout the year.

A much-appreciated message was sent from a hospital representative.

“Thank you so much to London Irish Foundation for helping to support the Royal Berkshire Hospital Gift Tree Appeal.  It is only with the support of our community that we are able to reach our target of collecting 900 gifts and we are so pleased that you have helped us in our appeal.  Your donation was absolutely amazing and will be delivered to the children’s ward by our Christmas elves (volunteers) and when the children wake up on Christmas day, there will be a pile of presents waiting for them at the end of their beds.  This makes such a difference to patients and knowing that someone out there in the community has donated such lovely gifts makes this day magical and special for patients who are having to spend Christmas day in hospital”.

“We cannot thank London Irish Foundation enough – you are truly amazing in your act of goodwill, consideration, dedication and support”.

Our next venue was “The Alexander Devine” children’s hospice in Maidenhead.

The London Irish Foundation have a supportive relationship with Tai Bishop and her team at the hospice, and recently participated along with students from Bishop Wand School in Sunbury-on-Thames at their Annual Santa Dash in Windsor.

The students (as seen in the picture) attend the ACE programme at the school and our thanks go out to Matt Collins from Bishop Wand School.

Finally, we visited the Shooting Star children’s hospice in Hampton not far from our home at Hazelwood, Sunbury-on-Thames.

The hospice staff are currently getting ready for a very busy period for all the children and families both in Hampton and their other premises in Guildford.

Andy Keast Chief Executive of the Foundation said, “I would like to thank our team, James, Finley, Rhys, Johnny and Wayne (not in picture) for all their efforts in collating, organising the wrapping (with our volunteers) and their enthusiasm whilst delivering the much-needed Christmas gifts this year”.

We hope that the donated gifts from our ‘Secret Santa’ will make a difference and spread some joy over the Christmas period in our community.

Happy Christmas from us all.

Should anyone like any further information on the foundation please visit our website www.londonirishfoundation.org or email us at info@londonirishfoundation.org