Harlequins Fans’ Christmas Cheer

The game at Plymouth saw the culmination of several months’ of effort by the fans, led by the Quinssa committee, in collecting toys, games, and other gifts for children who are ill and will be in the Wildgoose Ward of Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital at Christmas.

Rob White from Quinssa hands over the toy collection ©James Haward

In July, Darren Hands of Plymouth Albion Rotary Club approached Quinssa to see if we would be interested in joining their traditional annual Christmas Toy Appeal.  Each year they ask the supporters of the away team at their last home game before Christmas to do so and Quinssa had no hesitation in saying yes!

Since then, Quins fans responded in great fashion – flooding Quinssa with their donations.  While committee member Rob White was liaising with Plymouth to make the arrangements, fellow committee member Simon Coleman was marshalling his family and annexing his garage in order to sort, package and store the gifts!

The many boxes, bags and balloons made their way down to Plymouth on the Quinssa coach.  And so did Harley and Charley who made the trip to help in the toy presentation (thanks to Percy and Janet for looking after them!).  Accompanying them all was a cheque from Quinssa for £250 for the Wildgoose Ward – money raised through raffles etc.

The formal presentation was during half-time and the photo shows ward sister Marcia Roach accepting the cheque and some of the toys on behalf of the hospital from Rob and Darren (©James Haward).

After the game, Darren had this message for Quins fans:

“Many thanks once again for all the support you and the rest of Quinssa gave towards our toy collection for the local children’s ward.  I know that the nurse who was at the game was overwhelmed with the response and she has asked me to pass on the thanks of everyone at Wildgoose Ward.  I would like to do so as well on behalf of the Rotary club, your efforts were truly beyond our wildest dreams - a big, big thank you to you all”.

Let’s hope there were some smiles on the faces of the kids in the hospital on Christmas Day.

Rob White

Here is some feedback from Plymouth: