Foundation delivers Christmas cheer

For the second year in succession, the London Irish Foundation - the official charity of London Irish - has delivered welcome Christmas cheer to two children’s hospices in its catchment area.

Earlier this week, children in the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in Staines and the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice in Maidenhead were treated to a special visit from Santa Claus, who brought presents for all the patients.  

In addition, presents were also donated to the children who are at risk of isolation, hunger and loneliness that are involved in the club’s Christmas holiday, activity and food (HAF) programme.

Hundreds of presents - which were donated by the Foundation’s ‘Secret Santa’, were wrapped by young players from the Club’s ACE programme, participants from the Foundation’s BEAT the Street programme and the Foundation’s staff in a marathon wrapping session at Hazelwood last week.

Andy Keast, Chief Executive of the London Irish Foundation, said: “Last year’s Christmas present delivery to the hospices made such an impression on all concerned that we were determined to repeat it again if we could.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donor, we’ve been able to bring some early seasonal cheer into the lives of children who, through illness or poverty, are unable to experience a normal visit from Santa Claus.

“We are very grateful to all who supported our marathon wrapping session so enthusiastically in the process turning a chore into an enjoyable, uplifting occasion. 

“The smiles on the faces of the children who will receive the presents on Christmas Day, will be more than adequate reward for the effort involved.”