And it was not just a case of the players turning up and handing out the presents. From when the visit was first suggested, the players immediately took charge, embracing the idea and going out and buying the presents themselves in various age categories, showing that they have all bought into the club’s ethos as a supporters owned club of being local community focused. And virtually the entire squad were present to meet the children and hand out the presents. The players all did the club proud.

Whilst it is not nice to see children ill in hospital at any time, even more so at this time of year, it was wonderful to see how pleased the children were to see the players and the smiles that they gave. Their parents were most accommodating as well and the staff in the ward most welcoming and helpful, what a wonderful job they do !

For many of the players, this was the first time that had done anything like this and afterwards they all agreed that they felt privileged to have been given the opportunity to have been able to have made the visit.