Club Doncaster players and staff lifted the spirits of poorly children and their families yesterday as they took part in the annual hospital visit to spread some festive cheer.
Yesterday Club Doncaster made their annual trip to Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to spread some Christmas cheer to those unfortunate enough to be in hospital over Christmas.Led by Rovers manager Darren Ferguson, representatives of Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Rugby League joined forces to hand out a variety of gifts – including an iPad – to the Children’s Ward, as well as at Bluebell Wood, a local Children’s hospice.
Players from the club including; Andy Butler, Thorsten Stuckmann, Andy Williams and Jordi Hedges joined first team manager Darren Ferguson and Chief Executive of the Dons Carl Hall as they visited numerous children and their families on the ward and at the hospice.
Star striker Andy Williams underlined the importance of taking time out to visit the youngsters: “It’s really important that we do visits like this. Christmas is a special time of year and no one wants to be in hospital at this time.
“It’s hard seeing the kids who are so poorly, but if we can put a smile on their face for a few minutes during the day and give them something to remember whilst giving them a present, then it’s the least we can do in our position. Hopefully there were some smiling children.”
Jane Morgan, Class Teacher at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary hospital school also thanked the club and said: “Once again thank you to Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Rugby League Club for their generous Christmas gifts for the children. It really gives the kids and their families a great boost when they are poorly at Christmas.”
The importance of the visit was backed up by members of staff at Club Doncaster. Marketing and Communications Manager Ryan Murrant said: “It’s great that the players and management staff were so actively involved in our visits today. We have all worked closely with the DRI and Bluebell Wood to ensure that we take gifts that are relevant to the needs of the care centres, but also to those children who unfortunately require care at this time.
“I would like to thank the staff at the DRI and Bluebell Wood for welcoming us all and for exposing us to the great work that they do, we mustn’t forget that.
“I would also like to thank the players, management and staff who have come along today and made personal donations. Internally I would like to personally thank Steve Malee, Kim Makin, Alex Spinks, Mark Hughesman, Abi Rodwell, Carmel Proctor, Tracy Bawden, Carol Haith and Suzanne Utley who took the time to choose, wrap and personally fund some of the gifts the children received yesterday.”
Club Doncaster would like to wish everyone connected with the Club and Doncaster and the surrounding areas a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!