West Bromwich Albion players visit children at Sandwell Hospital
ALBION players turned Father Christmas to make their seasonal visit to Sandwell Hospital.
First-team stars including Jerome Thomas, Youssouf Mulumbu and Chris Brunt met youngsters in the two children’s wards – Lyndon One and Two – and the Day Assessment Unit, to hand out presents, sign autographs and pose for photos.
The players and the club joined forces to buy gifts for babies and patients right up to the age of 16, including cuddly toys, books, games and Baggies memorabilia.
The club also presented the children’s wards with a DVD player.
Players will visit Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, next week.
Children’s ward play worker John Morris said: “It is always much appreciated by everyone when West Bromwich Albion Football Club come and visit the children.
“There was a real buzz of excitement when the players arrived on the ward.
“Some of the children go through difficult times in hospital so a visit like this can be great medicine for them.
“For many of the children, having their heroes come and chat, joke and play games with them is a dream come true.”
Albion’s assistant community director Jamie Bunch said: “We’re delighted to be visiting the two hospitals again this year, not just to cheer up the young patients unfortunate to be in hospital at Christmas, but also to encourage the hard-working staff who have to make a lot of sacrifices at this time of year.
“Our fan base stretches far and wide and it’s great that we’re able to visit both the Sandwell and Dudley areas again.”
The hospital visits are two of three Albion Foundation events the players are attending over the festive period, the other being the Junior Baggies party at The Hawthorns.
