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The Duke of Sussex visits Oxford Children's Hospital

14/05/2019
This article is more than four years old.

HRH The Duke of Sussex delighted patients and staff at Oxford Children's Hospital when he came to visit today (Tuesday 14 May 2019).

He was welcomed to the hospital by former patient 13-year-old Daisy Wingrove, who presented him with a teddy for baby Archie.

Daisy led The Duke on a tour around the Children's Hospital, where he stayed and chatted with young patients on the wards.

The Duke also met representatives from Oxford Hospitals Charity. The charity raised almost £15 million to help create Oxford Children's Hospital, with a recent 10th anniversary campaign raising £2 million to help fund the new Ronald McDonald House accommodation for families of sick children, new medical equipment and improved play areas.

Lady Baldry, Chair of the Children's Hospital Benefactors Board and Trustee of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "The Children's Hospital is such a special place and we are absolutely thrilled that The Duke came to meet our patients, brilliant staff and hospital supporters.

"It's been a particular privilege to introduce him to some of the wonderful families who have worked so hard to fundraise for the hospital. It's been a very special day indeed."

One family who met The Duke was the Drysdales, whose child Anna is currently a patient at the hospital. The family have raised over £5,000 for Oxford Hospitals Charity.

Keeley Drysdale, Anna's mum, said: "It's Anna's birthday soon, so it was lovely to have The Duke wish her a happy birthday. It was wonderful to meet him - he was so friendly and warm, and genuinely interested in all of our stories.

"Fundraising for the charity is a way for us to say thank you to the hospital for all the care Anna has been given. We're really grateful."

The final stop on The Duke's tour was Oxfordshire Hospital School, which supports pupils who spend a lot of their time in the Children's Hospital.

Children are taught in purpose-built classrooms, on their wards, or in single rooms, with lessons tailored for each pupil.

Headteacher Steve Lowe said: "The children were incredibly excited to meet The Duke. It's all they could talk about for the rest of the day.

"We felt really honoured that he chose to come and see us - not many people know there's a school in the hospital, so the recognition of our work to support children with their education during what can be a challenging time for them was very special."

Pictured: The Duke is greeted outside Oxford Children's Hospital by Daisy Wingrove, a former patient.

View more photos from the visit