THE incredible efforts of a local charity have been honoured at Oxford Children’s Hospital after it raised more than £40,000 for poorly youngsters.

One of the hospital’s rooms, supporting teenagers on Melanie’s Ward and their families, was officially unveiled yesterday as the ‘Play2Give’ room.

The charity’s founder Andy Baker, who was treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington for many years after a brain injury at birth, said: “It was really touching and certainly the proudest moment in the charity’s history.

“We sat down with the hospital’s fundraising team in early 2014 and they set us the £40,000 target to have a room named after us and to be honest we never thought we would reach it.

“After launching the charity in 2007 and it’s really special to have done this on our10th anniversary and be able to help youngsters using the hospital.”

When the Play2Give team met the hospital’s fundraisers in 2014 it had already raised more than £20,000 and the target of £40,000 was set for a room to be named after it on the wards.

The idea to choose a room on Melanie’s Ward came about because of Dale Harris - heavily involved with Play 2 Give - and his daughter Mya.

Mya, now 14, was diagnosed with spina bifida while still in the womb and has required continuous care from the children’s hospital over the past 10 years.

Spina bifida means ‘split spine’ and Mya has had up to three operations each year throughout her life.

Mr Harris, from Cowley, said: “Mya had been on Melanie’s Ward and in one of the patient rooms just a few weeks before we met with the hospital to discuss the potential of naming a room after Play2Give.

“It’s such a nice environment for the older children up there and although Mya doesn’t need long stay at the hospital anymore it will be great to so many children and it’s lovely to have Play2Give recognised on the ward.

He added: “It’s great for the charity and is recognition of all the hard work and effort that has gone in and I’m sure Andy will keep it going for many years to come.”

Play 2 Give has a whole host of events planned for its 10th anniversary year and the inspirational Mr Baker has no intention of stopping any time soon.

The 28-year-old said: “It was quite emotional really to think we have raised all this money and been honoured like this by the hospital.

“We want to raise £10,000 in this 10th anniversary year.”