Players visit Oxford Children Hospital
Oxford United's First Team visited the Children's Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital today to wish a Merry Christmas to all children in the hospital.
The players spread Christmas cheer by giving out many presents, posing for pictures and signing autographs.
U's defender Michael Duberry emphasised the importance of the visit:
"It's great to be able to come here and put a smile on the kids' faces. All they want this Christmas is to be in good health so if we can make them a bit happier then we have done our job."
The former Chelsea, Leeds and Stoke man sang the praises of the supporters who donated gifts to the club:
"The fans have been brilliant in donating all of these wonderful gifts for the children and we would like to thank them for it. Their generosity at this time of year has made these kids' Christmas extra special so we owe it to them."
Community Officer Peter Rhoades-Brown was delighted with the reaction to the visit:
"You can't beat the smile on a kids' face as he or she sees a professional footballer walk in the room, their faces lit up with excitement. It's amazing how visiting these children, who are unfortunately ill at this time of year, can make such a difference."
Oxford legend Rosie was also extremely thankful to the staff at the hospital:
"The staff were great with us at the hospital. They have such tough jobs looking after all of these children so to let us come in and see the kids was brilliant."
We would like to thank all of the staff at the hospital who were extremely accommodating to us and also to all of the fans who kindly donated gifts.
We wish all of the children a speedy recovery and a Merry Christmas.