NUFC and SAFC players visit sick children

Dec 17 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

NEWCASTLE and Sunderland football stars brought cheer to sick youngsters in hospital wards yesterday with their annual visit. The players visited hospitals across Tyne and Wear to brighten up the day of scores of sick children.

Patients at North Tyneside General Hospital received an early Christmas present when Steven Taylor, Steve Harper and Alan Smith popped in.

The players gave Christmas gifts to youngsters on the Children’s Ward and met relatives and staff.

It was the first time Newcastle players have visited the hospital at Christmas.

Staff nurse Anna Dalby said: “The footballers’ visit was fantastic. It put smiles on the children’s faces and everyone is still talking about it.

“We’re very grateful that the players took the time to come and speak to the children and give them a present.

“The visit was something different and helped brighten up the children’s stays in hospital in the run-up to Christmas.”

Obafemi Martins, who visited the RVI in Newcastle, said: “It’s a big honour for the players to be asked to come along and visit the children in hospital.

“Christmas is a very important time for families and it is a good thing that we can come and see the children who have not been too well and make them smile and cheer them up.

“I love kids, so when I see they are happy because they have seen the players, then that is nice.”

Meanwhile, five first team Sunderland stars dropped in to the city’s Royal Hospital to meet youngsters who are facing spending the festive period away from family and friends.

Kenwyne Jones, Kieran Richardson, Danny Collins, Phil Bardsley and Carlos Edwards dished out special gifts for the children and signed autographs during their visit yesterday. Among the youngsters the players met was Sunderland fan Daniel Bennett, eight, from Washington, who said: “It was great to have the players in – I was looking forward to it all day. Kenwyne Jones gave me some tickets for a match and I can’t wait to go.”

Trinidad and Tobago international Jones, Sunderland’s two-goal hero in the 4-0 win over West Brom at the weekend, said: “It’s good to come and see some of the kids that are poorly.

“It’s not the best for them to be here so it’s nice to try to put a smile on their faces for Christmas.”

Sunderland players are also due to visit sick children at three other hospitals in the region this week – the Dryburn at Durham, South Tyneside in South Shields and the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.