Banbury Automotive Colleagues Show Support For Local Children's Ward
Youngsters at Horton General Hospital have benefitted from the generosity of two local automotive dealerships after a raft of special gifts were handed over to the Children’s Ward at the Banbury site.
Colleagues from Vertu Hyundai Banbury and Vertu Peugeot Banbury - located together less than two miles away from the hospital on Southam Road - joined forces throughout 2025 to run a series of internal events geared towards supporting the Ward.
Amongst the activities that took place during the year was a special raffle to win one of two new bikes and a competition for the best Halloween fancy dress costume. Colleagues were also invited to make a donation to the cause during a Christmas Jumper day held in December.
Alongside those activities, colleagues from the two dealerships went out and personally purchased a range of toys for children of all ages, which were then donated to the ward alongside the funds raised over the course of the year.
It marked the second consecutive year that the two Vertu sites in Banbury have supported the Horton Children’s Ward; a 14 bed unit that cares for children up to the age of 16 and which serves North Oxfordshire and the surrounding area.
Dennis Rousianos, Vertu Hyundai Banbury and Vertu Peugeot Banbury General Manager, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our colleagues, we have been able to donate toys, bicycles and funds that are going to make a real difference to children on the Horton Children’s Ward, as well as to their families and the staff who are looking after them.
“I’m hugely proud of everyone in the team for the way they have come together to support the hospital, and for making such a positive impact in the local community.”
Hannah Gilkes, Play Specialist on the Children’s Ward at Horton General Hospital, said: “We are so grateful for this very kind donation of toys to our Children’s Ward and for the donation to Horton General Hospital Charity.
“Being in hospital can be an emotional and sometimes unsettling experience for children and their families and thanks to generous donations like this, we can help make their stay a little brighter.
“These gifts make a real difference, bringing moments of joy and comfort when they are needed most.”