Play2Give Celebrates £10,000 Donation Milestone
Didcot-based charity Play2Give has celebrated a significant milestone by donating more than £10,000 to Sobell House Hospice in Oxford. The funds have been used to transform two bathrooms on the hospice's inpatient unit, creating a more welcoming and comforting environment for patients and their families. The achievement was marked during a special celebration at the hospice, attended by Chewe Munkonge, Lord Mayor of Oxford.
Five Years of Support in Memory of Angela Norris
Play2Give has supported Sobell House over the past five years in memory of Angela Norris, who received palliative care at home from the hospice's community nurses before she died in 2020. Angela was the mother of Play2Give vice-chair of trustees Matthew Norris and a close friend of the charity's founder, Andrew Baker, and his mother, Ann. The latest donation has contributed to funding improvements to two patient bathrooms, helping create a more welcoming and comforting environment for patients and their families.
Artistic Murals Enhance Patient Spaces
As part of the refurbishment, the rooms have been transformed with hand-painted artistic murals by Sarah Jarman from the Sobell House Hospice charity team. The murals add a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bathrooms, enhancing the overall experience for patients and their loved ones during their stay.
Founder Expresses Gratitude and Meaning
Brain injury survivor Andrew Baker MBE BCAv, founder and chair of Play2Give, said: “Sobell House means so much to me and to many of our team because we've experienced its care and compassion first-hand while supporting loved ones. Reaching the £10,000 milestone is something we're incredibly proud of, but knowing we've been able to fund improvements that will bring comfort, dignity and even moments of joy to patients and their families makes it even more meaningful. This donation is made in memory of Angela Norris and every other family who has been touched by Sobell House. It's a reminder that, by coming together as a community, we can turn grief into something positive that will make a lasting difference for others. We're so grateful to everyone who has supported Play2Give and helped make projects like this possible.”
Hospice CEO Praises Community Support
Amelia Foster, chief executive of Sobell House Hospice, commented: "Play2Give's incredible support is helping us do so much more than maintain our buildings, it's helping us create spaces that offer comfort, dignity and a sense of calm for patients and their families at one of the most important times in their lives. We are so grateful for their continued commitment, and these beautiful new bathrooms are a lasting reminder of what community fundraising can achieve."
Ongoing Commitment to Warm and Inclusive Environment
The refurbishment forms part of Sobell House's ongoing commitment to ensuring its hospice environment is as warm, welcoming and inclusive as the care provided within it. To donate to the hospice, visit https://sobellhouse.org/donate/make-a-donation/. For more information on Play2Give, which marks its 25th anniversary in 2027 and Andrew’s inspiring story, or to donate visit www.play2give.org.uk.
