A Didcot-based charity is celebrating a record-breaking year after collecting a cracking 1,720 Easter eggs in its fifth annual Easter appeal, the most generous response yet from the Oxfordshire community.
Play2Give, founded by local fundraiser Andy Baker, called on residents and businesses across the county to donate chocolate eggs and treats to bring smiles to children and families facing illness, hardship, or bereavement. The result? A record-smashing response that surpassed 2024’s tally of 1,238 eggs by nearly 500.
Spreading Joy Across Oxfordshire and Beyond
The donations, collected over two months, were delivered on April 15 by Play2Give’s very own Easter Bunny, with help from a lively carrot sidekick, to Oxford Children’s Hospital, Horton General Hospital, and the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. Over 620 eggs went directly to children receiving treatment, with extras shared among:
- Neonatal families
- Sobell House Hospice
- Viking House
- Summerfield House in Abingdon
- Didcot Foodbank
- Families referred by support organisations across the county
The appeal was so well-supported that the team required two van trips to deliver all the goodies. Volunteers spent hours sorting, counting, and packing donations, including Easter activity packs and boxes of toys, purchased with funds raised through Sleigh2Give, the charity’s Christmas campaign.
Local Businesses & Big-Hearted Communities Rally Together
Play2Give’s appeal reached across Oxfordshire and beyond, with donation points popping up in Oxford, Abingdon, Wantage, Didcot, Bicester, and even Newbury. Support came from schools, cafes, gyms, shops, and individuals, proving just how strong the community’s generosity is.
Founder Andy Baker, now 36, was inspired to give back after his own experiences as a young patient at the Oxford Children’s Hospital, having undergone brain surgery at 12 after a life-threatening condition. He began fundraising at age 14 and has now dedicated over two decades to helping others.
Reflecting on the success of this year’s appeal, Andy said:
“Our bunny, full of beans, was eggscited to bring plenty of cheer, joy and smiles as we worked our way excitedly through the mountain of Easter eggs to deliver in speedy time down and through the bustling hospital corridors and, on the children’s wards, the bunny had a little help from the sprightly and lively carrot too. The fantastic kindness of all those who donated brought plenty of smiles to the faces of all those who received the generosity. It was another uplifting, joyful but emotional experience, too, in visiting the hospital and hospices. We’re always grateful for the incredible and the heart-warming support our community show Play2Give and we extend our enormous thanks to everyone who took the time to donate to our fifth appeal, and all those who continue supporting all year round to help us do our fantastic work helping so many in our community in changing, transforming, and saving lives.”
From Chocolate to Champions: What’s Next for Play2Give
Now celebrating over 20 years of giving back, Play2Give continues to grow its legacy. The team is now preparing for upcoming fundraising events, including:
- The 14th Play2Give Charity Football Tournament
- The 6th Annual Oscars-Inspired Gala Ball
- More community-led campaigns throughout 2025
Founded officially in 2007, Play2Give has supported over 40 local causes, including Oxford Children’s Hospital, Sobell House, and countless families in need.
To learn more about Play2Give, their future events, or to get involved, visit play2give.org.uk
