Our friends at Play2Give held their 14th annual Football Tournament this summer, raising a record-breaking £7,000 for us and other local charities on one of the hottest days of the year. 

18 teams, made up of businesses, groups, other charities, and squads of friends, competed at Wallingford Sports Park for the winner’s trophy, and the action-packed day drew a fantastic crowd.

Play2Give’s football tournament continues the fundraising efforts for the children’s hospital that former patient and Play2Give founder, Andy Baker, started at just 14 years old. It has since become a popular event within the local community.

Speaking about this year’s event, Andy told us: “Thank you to all of the teams, sponsors, supporters and suppliers who brought their A-game, making this year’s event extra special. A big thank you to the venue and all of the event team and officials who worked so hard. We are amazed by the amount raised, which is just incredible. It made all the hard work and long hours worthwhile.”

Andy was inspired to give back and make a difference 23 years ago, to say thank you to the Oxford healthcare teams who saved his life, not once but twice. Following being born with a brain injury at the John Radcliffe Hospital and a complex childhood history of medical treatment, Andy suffered a further traumatic head injury aged eight while at primary school, resulting in the life-changing brain surgery he received aged 12.

Over two decades on, the 37-year-old and his dedicated group of volunteers, have raised around £600,000 for over 40 causes and individuals in need, through funds raised by a wide range of exciting, fun and engaging community events, tombolas, raffles, cake sales and more, alongside the value of thousands of Christmas presents provided at Christmas, raised through ‘Sleigh2Give’, its annual Christmas appeal, for children and families in hospitals, hospices, the less fortunate and vulnerable.

Over the years, Play2Give has funded numerous pieces of medical equipment, toys and resources for the Oxford Children’s Hospital, with the latest piece of kit to be funded being the echo probe for paediatric cardiology, and also the artwork in Mel's Ward day room. A huge thank you to Andy and all of Play2Give.