A JAPANESE hospital worker held a cake sale to help children affected by the earthquake in his home country.

Takeshi Kashima, who works in the histopathology department at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, was keen to help when he saw the events unfolding in March.

Mr Kashima chose Thursday, May 5, which is Children’s Day in Japan, to hold the sale in the Headington hospital’s atrium to raise money for the Helping Hands for Japan charity. The event made £485.

Mr Kashima said: “Even though I now work in the UK, I have been deeply affected by what happened in my native country.

“I wanted to organise something to let them know they are still in our thoughts.

“Even though it hasn’t been in the news lately, there is still a lot to be done.”

NOC staff were joined at the event by trustees of the charity, which was set up by staff at Kidlington holiday company Into Japan in conjunction with Japanese residents in Oxford.

Mr Kashima added: “If I can help raise funds and awareness for the local charity I know I am doing something to help my fellow people.”

For more information, see helpinghandsforjapan.org.uk or call 01865 841443.