Father Christmas hits the road to deliver gifts to young patients

Local generosity and festive spirit shone brighter than Rudolph's nose as Santa Claus rolled up to Oxford Children’s Hospital, bringing gifts and joy to poorly patients thanks to donations from local schools.

Instead of his usual helicopter landing, the jolly visitor from RAF Benson swapped flying gear – and his sleigh – for four wheels this year, pulling up at the John Radcliffe Hospital site with a sack full of goodies.

His mission remained the same – to spread joy and bring Christmas sparkle to children and families spending time in hospital.

With help from his merry little helpers, Santa dropped off more than 550 presents kindly donated by local south Oxfordshire schools.

Santa first popped down the chimney at Ronald McDonald House Oxford before heading to his pop-up grotto, provided by Oxford Hospitals Charity, at the Children’s Hospital – part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) – where excited youngsters received their gifts.

Sheila Caldicott, Senior Health Play Specialist at OUH, said: "Christmas in hospital can be tough for children and their families. Seeing Father Christmas and receiving a special gift makes such a difference – it lifts spirits and creates wonderful memories for everyone.

"Thank you so much to Santa for taking the time out of his busy schedule – particularly at this time of year – and to the teams at RAF Benson and Oxford Hospitals Charity for their generous support."

Flt Lt St Leger-Chambers said: "With the departure of the Puma in March 2025 and concerns that the Chinook would blow Santa’s hat off and upset his reindeer, the RAF Benson Junior Ranks Welfare Fund loaned Santa their minibus to deliver the gifts.

"RAF Benson are proud to assist Santa with the delivery of gifts and would like to extend thanks to the Station personnel and schools that donate generously."

Jamie French, Hospital Engagement Manager at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "A huge thank you to the amazing team from RAF Benson for delivering such fantastic gifts to children at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Their generosity brought big smiles and even bigger excitement. What a wonderful boost for our young patients!"

John Plumer, House Manager at Ronald McDonald House Oxford, said: "Christmas can be a particularly challenging season when you have a sick child in hospital, so at the House we do all we can to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normality during this time.

"The visit from Santa, made possible by the wonderful support of RAF Benson personnel, has truly lifted spirits and brought happiness to families going through the toughest of times. On behalf of all the families staying with us this festive season, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for such a thoughtful and generous act."