ACCRINGTON Stanley players brought some Christmas cheer to children at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Players were at the paediatric ward yesterday speaking to ill children at the Haslingden Road hospital.
The players donned reindeer antlers and handed out toys and chocolates together with signed footballs and shirts.
Patients and their parents were completely taken by surprise at the arrival of the squad.
Reedley mum Farzana Khalil said her nine-year-old daughter Zaynab was delighted.
She said: “We don’t know how long she is going to be here but we hope she can come home soon.
“She started having terrible pains in her stomach a few days ago and it was very scary. It turned out it was her appendix and everything is OK.
“It’s fantastic they have come in to cheer up the children and it’s a thank you from me.”
Mum Fiona Clarke from Burnley saw her 13-month-old son Adam Worth steal the hearts of the players who met him. Adam, who has Downs Syndrome, became unwell with a serious chest infection. She said: “He has had an absolutely brilliant time with the players.”
Thomas Jenerecykz, 11, is in hospital with a swollen larynx and does not know if he will be in hospital over Christmas.
He said: “I’ve been to see Accrington Stanley so it was brilliant to have them come to see me. They gave out really good toys and chocolate.”
Manager James Beattie said: “Tesco and Asda were kind enough to donate some toys and sweets and it is so rewarding for us to come in.
Visiting the kids in hospital is something I’ve done throughout my career. You look forward to making a difference and I knew the lads would enjoy it too.”
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