The Ronald McDonald House in Oxford recently celebrated a significant milestone with a royal guest of honour. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the facility to mark its fifth anniversary, unveiling a commemorative plaque and meeting the families and staff who are the heart of this vital service.
A Sanctuary for Families in Need
The Oxford House is one of 14 facilities run by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, an independent organisation. It provides free 'home away from home' accommodation for families with children receiving hospital treatment. This service is a lifeline, keeping families together and close to their sick children during incredibly stressful times, especially when they are far from their own homes.
During her visit, The Duchess was received by the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM. She then joined the charity’s Chief Executive, Ella Joseph, for a tour of the 62-bedroom House.
Families Share Their Powerful Stories
The Royal guest met with several families who have directly benefited from the House's support. Laura and Chris O'Donnell from Leighton Buzzard, along with their sons Lewis, Oscar, and five-year-old Jack, shared their journey. Jack was born prematurely at 26 weeks in 2020, requiring a lengthy stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The family spent 96 nights at the House.
"The House provided us with so much more than just a bed for the night; it quickly became our sanctuary and the staff, our support network," Laura said. The family returned in May 2021 when Jack needed surgery to remove a kidney.
Another returning family was new mum Jodie Keeley and her partner Lyde Darien from Northampton. Jodie gave birth to naturally conceived quadruplets on May 22, 2025, at just 25 weeks. The couple spent 99 days at the Oxford House while their three daughters and son were treated on the NICU.
"The Oxford House was an absolute Godsend for us as a family," Jodie stated. "The thought of leaving the babies and being far away from them, especially in those early days, was just unbearable."
Celebrating a Community Effort
The visit concluded with The Duchess meeting key charity supporters and the unveiling of the plaque. Her Royal Highness was presented with a posy by 14-year-old Philip Artemiev, whose family also stayed at the House seven years ago.
Ella Joseph, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, expressed her honour at hosting the Royal visit. She highlighted that the new House opened in April 2020, coinciding with the pandemic, making this a long-awaited official celebration of its positive impact over the past five years.
"The Duchess’ visit has really helped to shine a light on the supporters and volunteers, whose generosity and commitment make our vital work possible," Joseph said.
