Wycombe Wanderers have teamed up with former player and current sponsor Andrew Harman to deliver more than 200 toys to the children’s ward at Wycombe Hospital ahead of the Christmas period.
Manager Gareth Ainsworth and players Sam Vokes, Joe Jacobson and Garath McCleary joined Andrew on a visit to the ward on Tuesday (6th December) to deliver the gifts, generously donated by Mr Harman, which will be distributed to young patients who visit the hospital over Christmas.
Andrew played for the club in the 1980s and engages in a wide range of charitable initiatives each year through his businesses, including support for both the Stoke Mandeville Hospital – which he visited on Thursday morning – and Wycombe Hospital.
He said: “I'm delighted to be able to help the children being treated at Wycombe Hospital and support the other hospitals within Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust again this year. These children have a lot to deal with at a young age, so we want to make it special for them and make a small difference. It's fantastic to also be able to meet the staff who do such a tremendous job caring for them".
“This year has to be our biggest and best visit yet, and that’s all down to the kindness shown by Andrew Harman, who has made this brilliant gesture by donating so many wonderful gifts for the kids to enjoy."
Gareth Ainsworth
Manager
Blues boss Ainsworth, who – together with the players - also handed over a selection of gifts and match tickets to the staff on the ward, added: “We’re always proud to be able to visit the children’s ward at Wycombe Hospital and meet the staff who do such an incredible job with youngsters who may not be able to enjoy Christmas in the same way that others are fortunate enough to do so.
“This year has to be our biggest and best visit yet, and that’s all down to the kindness shown by Andrew Harman, who has made this brilliant gesture by donating so many wonderful gifts for the kids to enjoy. If our visit can help bring a smile to the faces of the children – and to the staff – then it’s all worthwhile.”
Neil Macdonald, CEO of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I want to thank Wycombe Wanderers and their sponsor Andrew Harman for their generosity. We know, through our dedicated play specialists, how important play is to supporting children with their wellbeing while they are recovering in hospital. Our team’s number one priority is to provide our patients with outstanding care and the toys that have been donated will make a real difference to our younger patients on the children’s ward, especially in the run up to Christmas.”
