Easter came early this year for the children at John Radcliffe Hospital, thanks to the residents, families, team members, and local community of Spencer Court Care Home in Woodstock, part of the not-for-profit charity, The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT). Spencer Court, together with contributions from other OSJCT care homes across Oxfordshire, delivered a bundle of festive joy to the hospital’s children’s ward.

Over 150 Easter eggs, alongside colouring books, paint-by-numbers kits, games, and toys, were donated by residents, families, the wider community, and OSJCT care homes including Townsend House (Oxford), Longlands (Oxford), Marston Court (Oxford), Meadowcroft (Thame), and Henry Cornish Care Centre (Chipping Norton).

Angela Champ, Home Manager of Spencer Court, said:
"It was heartwarming to see residents, families, and the community come together to bring happiness to children at the hospital. Handing over these gifts – from Easter eggs to games and toys – created moments of joy that we’ll all remember."

Several residents and support staff joined Angela and Lisa Oliver, Home Manager of Townsend House, in the minibus to deliver the gifts in person. They handed out eggs, games, and toys to the various children’s wards at John Radcliffe, ensuring all children and their siblings being cared for received a treat.

Jim, a Spencer Court resident who used to be a postman, said:
"I’ve made many deliveries in my time, but this one was eggstra special. Handing out the gifts to the children and their siblings was just as rewarding for us as it was for them."

Zoe Pooley, Matron of Children’s Services at John Radcliffe Hospital, said:
"Children in hospital really benefited from this gesture. It can be really miserable being in hospital, especially during celebrations like Easter. Initiatives like this helped make the day special, allowing children and their families to celebrate in some way. On behalf of all the staff here, we want to say thank you – you made our children smile and brightened their day."

This Easter project highlighted the dedication of OSJCT care homes to not only care for their residents but also to actively support and give back to the wider community, spreading kindness, joy, and festive cheer across Oxfordshire.