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League of Friends hits half a million milestone

17/05/2018
This article is more than five years old.

Volunteers at the John Radcliffe Hospital League of Friends are celebrating hitting half a million pounds in turnover for the first time.

The group - established in the 1970s - runs two cafes, one in the main John Radcliffe Hospital and the other in the Women's Centre.

All profits made by the cafes are returned to the hospital in the form of grants to departments and wards and this years' record-breaking income has allowed the League to donate over £200,000 - setting an additional record for donations.

The cafes have over seventy regular volunteers and serve around 700 customers a day at the hospital - offering wholesome and good value food to patients, staff and visitors.

Every day the cafes need 18 volunteers, working in teams, to run effectively, with some of the volunteers arriving as early as 7.00am to get the food preparation going.

Many - but by no means all - of the volunteers are retired and the League is proactive in having roles for those with disabilities.

Ruth Greves, chairman of the grant committee at League of Friends, said: "We are thrilled to have hit this incredible milestone of turning over more than half a million pounds. Our volunteers work incredibly hard and provide such a special service to the hospital, so to see all that hard work paying off is wonderful.

"Over the years we have seen many changes - from originally just offering tea and a bun - to today, where we serve hot and cold food in an attractive and professional environment, with a 5 star food hygiene rating.

"It's great to know that all those sandwiches, cups of tea and cakes have such an impact, allowing us to purchase specialist medical equipment and support staff projects across the hospital."

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The league of Friends provides wonderful support for our hospitals, all done with a big smile and a big heart. We are thrilled to hear that the John Radcliffe League has had such a successful year and extend our thanks to all the volunteers who make such a difference every day."