We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Helen & Douglas House that will see U’s Boss Karl Robinson become an ambassador for this fantastic local charity.
Helen & Douglas House helps local families cope with the challenges of looking after a terminally ill baby or child who will die prematurely. They provide a home from home for local terminally ill children and their families. Based in Oxford, but supporting families from surrounding counties, Helen & Douglas House not only supports the children but also the parents, brothers, sisters, and grandparents.
The U’s have worked alongside Helen & Douglas House with Rob Hall a superb ambassador until his departure in the summer. Now Manager Karl Robinson will take over that role and he told us:
“Hally talked a lot about what Helen & Douglas House do and it is so important that we help our local community so I am extremely proud to be able to help in any way I can. I look forward to working with them, meeting the amazing families who they help so much, and making sure that if the football club can offer any help or support then we are there for them.”
Fans will notice posters promoting the Helen & Douglas House ebay shop at Saturday’s home game against Bolton, but it’s the whole club that will be supporting the cause, as Karl explains.
“One of the ideas we discussed was for a skydive to raise awareness and funds and as soon as I mentioned what it was for the staff started volunteering: everyone in Oxfordshire knows someone who Helen & Douglas House has helped and Amy Cranston, Dan Harris, Leon Blackmore-Such and Dwayne Peasah almost literally jumped at the chance. I’ll happily hold their coats til they land!”
Janet Carruzzo from Helen & Douglas House said ‘We are delighted that Karl has agreed to be an ambassador for our charity and we look forward to introducing him to some of our families and to working with Oxford United to raise awareness of the charity and much needed funds to help more local children like Ella and their families.’
Ella Greenough is 6 years old and she lives with her family in Oxford who are big Oxford United fans. Ella comes to Helen & Douglas House for short supportive stays.
Kirsty, Ella’s mum, said ‘Helen & Douglas House has helped us as a family in so many ways. When you have a child with complex medical needs, life is tough as you are always worrying and wondering what’s going to happen next.
‘But for any concerns we have, Helen & Douglas House has always been there for us, just for a chat or to have a bit of respite so we can recharge our batteries as parents and for this we will never forget them.
‘Without them we don’t know what we would do. They take a very bad situation and turn it into fun and happiness, which makes you forget what you’re going through for a while. We are truly thankful to them for being there for us and many other families and most of all they always make Ella smile.’