A FORMER children’s hospital patient hopes to raise thousands with his fourth charity football tournament.

Andrew Baker, from Didcot, was just 12 when he had a life-threatening tumour removed from his brain at the John Radcliffe hospital.

Now 23, Mr Baker said he owes his life to the experts who helped him and has spent years tirelessly fundraising for the Oxford Children’s Hospital (CHOX) which opened in 2007.

He set up Play2Give — a football tournament at Oxford City Football Club.

Mr Baker is looking for teams to take part in the next event, on July 15.

He said: “We are looking for local kids’ football teams – under-sevens through to under-10’s – to take part in what promises to be a special tournament.

“This is the fourth time we have organised Play2Give, and each time it has got better, raising thousands for our local children’s hospital.

“This cause is really close to my heart, as not only was I patient, but I have met so many other inspirational youngsters treated there, and I know what a difference the money we raise makes.

“If you run a kid’s football team we would like to hear from you – there’s limited space at the tournament, so don’t leave it too late.

Oxford United will run a ‘beat the keeper’ competition and skill sessions and radio station Jack FM will provide music and a bouncy castle.

Dale Harris whose 10-year-old daughter Mya has spina bifida and is a patient at the hospital, is helping organise the day, Mr Harris, from Cowley, said: “We feel so lucky to have the Oxford Children’s Hospital on our doorstep and helping to organise this event is one of the ways we can show our gratitude.”

It costs £35 per team to enter, and children taking part are also asked to try and raise sponsorship for the hospital.

To find out more, email play2give@hotmail.com Oxford University Hospitals Charitable Funds (reg charity 1057295) raises funds for The Oxford Children’s Hospital – to donate visit ouh.nhs.uk/ charity, call Penny Hambridge on 01865743445 or email pen ny.hambridge@ouh.nhs.uk