Wasps boost festive appeal
WASPS star Danny Cipriani has revealed a softer side to his rugby playing persona – by kindly singing to baby James at Zoe’s Place hospice during a Christmas visit.
Danny was at the Ash Green charity with team mates Christian Wade, Josh Bassett and Ben Harris to boost the hospice’s vital fundraising appeal.
And while all of the boys took time out to talk to parents, carers and nurses, it was Danny’s show of kindness to one little boy that particularly touched the hearts of bystanders.
Baby James was crying when Danny met him and nurse Elaine Jakeman.
The rugby star was told that James often settled after cuddles and singing.
Danny then posed for group photographs in the hospice soft play room and when the snappers had moved into another area, he sang his best rendition of ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ to James.
Elaine said: “I felt warm-hearted when Danny sang to James. He was so interactive. The entire short yet powerful experience made for a really happy occasion.”
The visit came as Wasps worked to boost awareness of the charity, which offers palliative, respite and end-of-life care to children under five with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
Head of care Gina Harris said that the charity is expecting a £80,000 shortfall over Christmas due to lack of funding.
The hospice has six cots but can only currently open four to babies in need due to an urgent requirement for charitable donations, resulting in a waiting list of families that can’t be accommodated.
Gina said: “End-of-life care is such an important part of our services, and staff are doubling up to ensure the babies get the one-to-one care they need.
“We need the public to get behind us to raise £80,000, allowing us to take care of four children for a month.”
Claire Baines, 35 from Potters Green spent time with the players in the soft play suite as they treated her son Joel, 17 months, to toys.
Joel was born with a laryngeal cleft, which meant there was a gap between his wind and food pipe. Joel has a tracheotomy and needs round the clock care to ensure he can breathe.
Claire said: “As Joel’s dad Nathan works full time, I’m his full-time carer and I’m on my own with him a lot. I don’t have family nearby that can support us, as Joel needs to be with someone that’s trained to care for him 24/7.
“Bringing him to Zoe’s Place means I can go shopping or take some time with peace of mind that he’s being taken care of by a great nurse.
“I sleep in his bedroom and my sleep is minimal because he’s tube-fed and he needs oxygen to keep his chest clear.”
Winger Josh Bassett, who became a dad to Theodore Beau in September, praised the charity’s work: “This place isn’t receiving enough funding. We want six kids to be looked after here, or more, with all the care and help that they need.
“The work Zoe’s Place do is amazing, and children with complex needs deserve the best care possible.”
Danny added: “Every child has the right to live a happy life, and Zoe’s Place is allowing that. Helping the parents is as important as looking after the kids, and if we can offer them some support to raise awareness, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Wasps play Gloucester on December 23rd at the Ricoh Arena, 3pm kick-off. Bucket collections for Zoe’s Place will be under way around the arena and tickets are available here .
For more information on Zoe’s Place or to make a donation, visit zoes-place. org.uk
I felt warm hearted when Danny sang to James. The entire powerful experience made for a really happy occasion. Elaine Jakeman