A charity founded in Didcot is "overwhelmed" with the response to its Easter egg appeal which saw it distribute more than 1,230 eggs to children.

Play2Give, a charity with a focus on children's health and disability causes, made its fourth annual appeal two months ago, with the aim of collecting and distributing chocolate treats to underprivileged children and young patients at Oxford Children's Hospital.

Residents from Oxford, Abingdon, Wallingford, Witney, and Didcot all contributed, with businesses, cafes, shops and various city institutions also lending their support.

This year has seen a surge in the number of donations compared to last year, with 2023's total of 600 more than doubled.

Around 400 eggs made their way to the children's hospital, including the children's ward at the Horton General in Banbury.

The charity’s founder, Andrew Baker, started the organisation in 2007 after having his life saved twice, once at birth after being born with a brain injury, and again aged 12 with brain surgery.

He said: "Along with the Easter bunny we worked our way excitedly through the mountain of Easter eggs to deliver to spread some cheer and joy at this.

"The fantastic kindness of all those who donated brought plenty of smiles to the faces of all those who received the generosity."

A few other institutions also benefited from Play2Give's efforts.

Among them were siblings and families of babies being cared for in the neonatal care unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, as well as residents at Viking House, Helen and Douglas House and Sobell House Hospice.

The number of donations also allowed the group to extend their efforts to the Didcot Foodbank and the Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire.

Since its inception, Play2Give has contributed more than £115,000 in funds to the Oxford Children's Hospital.

The charity will be hosting its 13th football tournament and fifth gala ball this year, among other activities, to continue raising funds for children, health and disability-focused endeavours.

Mr Baker added: "It was an uplifting, joyful but emotional experience too in visiting the hospital and hospices.

"We're always grateful for the incredible and heartwarming support our community show Play2Give and we share our enormous thanks to everyone who took the time to donate to this appeal, which continues to help us do our fantastic work to help so many in our community all year round in changing, transforming, and saving lives."

On top of their annual Easter egg appeal, the charity is encouraging more people to get involved with their projects and initiatives.

For more information about Play2Give and its upcoming events, visit the charity's website.