Essex Rebels Deliver Christmas Cheer to Colchester General Hospital

On Wednesday 17 December, the Essex Rebels made a special visit to Colchester General Hospital, delivering gifts to children spending the Christmas holidays in care. Players from both the men’s and women’s basketball teams arrived with wrapped presents, hoping to bring smiles and festive spirit to the children on the ward.

The visit followed a highly successful Toy Drive, launched during the Essex Rebels’ Christmas Special game on 13 December. Supporters were invited to donate toys, which were collected at the game and throughout the week. The initiative was run in partnership with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, who helped coordinate the delivery to patients across the hospital during the Christmas period.

In addition to generous donations from fans and supporters, the Toy Drive received a substantial contribution from the Colchester Zoological Society. Their donation added an extra layer of excitement for the children receiving gifts from the players during Wednesday’s visit.

Essex Rebels Manager, Diana Voynova, shared how meaningful the experience was for everyone involved:

Being able to run this Toy Drive and deliver gifts to the children in Colchester General Hospital means a great deal to us. Christmas should be a magical time, especially for young people, and we’re glad we could bring a little joy to those spending the holidays in care. We’re incredibly grateful to Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity for partnering with us, and to Colchester Zoo for always supporting our community causes. This initiative shows that when organisations come together for the community, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.

Gavin Lamb, Fundraising Manager at Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity added:

We are incredibly grateful to the Essex Rebels for this generous donation and for the time taken to visit our hospital. Partnerships like this make a real difference in helping us bring comfort and joy to patients and families who may be spending the holiday period in hospital. Knowing that our community is thinking of them at such a special time of the year means so much, and we cannot thank everyone involved enough for their kindness and support. 

The Essex Rebels would like to thank everyone who donated gifts to this year’s Toy Drive. Their kindness and generosity played a vital role in making this visit possible, filling the hospital’s children’s ward with festive spirit and warm smiles. The Rebels continue to be inspired by the strength of support shown by their community and remain committed to giving back wherever possible.