Devon Racecourse brings festive surprise to children in hospital this Christmas

A Christmas delivery with a difference brought some festive cheer to children in hospital this week, after a fundraising event held at Exeter Racecourse.

Dexter, the mascot at Exeter Racecourse, visited Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to hand over bags of Christmas presents collected during a recent charity race-day.

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The gifts were donated by racegoers attending the racecourse’s ELF Raceday, which was held in support of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund. 

Visitors were invited to leave presents at a drop-off point at the course, with dozens collected for children and young patients spending time in hospital over the festive period.

Exeter Racecourse general manager Jack Parkinson said the response from the public had been overwhelming.

“We held ELF Raceday as a fundraiser for the charity and promoted ourselves as a gifting drop-off point,” he said. “People have been so kind, with so many gifts donated. So we took them up to the hospital where Dexter delivered them in person.”

The Exeter Leukaemia Fund supports people across Devon, Dartmoor and the wider South West who are living with blood cancers and blood disorders. 

The charity, which relies entirely on donations and community fundraising, works closely with the hospital’s haematology team, providing practical and emotional support for patients and families during treatment.

This includes help with transport to hospital appointments, counselling services, financial advice, accommodation for families who need to stay nearby, and funding for specialist roles and equipment.

Gary Moore, development manager at the Exeter Leukaemia Fund, said the race-day had been valuable both for fundraising and for raising awareness.

“The race-day was fantastic for raising awareness of the charity, and it really helped us share what we do for patients and families,” he said. “What struck me most was how many people came to our stand to share their own experiences.”

Clinical nurse specialist Louise Taylor, who works with patients on Bramble Ward, said the donated gifts would make a real difference in the coming weeks.

“It is so wonderful to receive all these gifts,” she said. “They help children and families pass the time while they are in hospital, and we’ll also offer them to patients. It will make a huge difference.”

The visit marked the end of a successful charity race-day and ensured some extra Christmas cheer for children in hospital across Devon as the festive season approaches.