Yule never guess who dropped into Hascombe ward!
Young patients on Hascombe Children’s ward were thrilled to meet members of the Harlequins rugby team, players from Woking Football Club and Aldershot Football Club in the run up to Christmas.
The visitors brought sackfuls of presents, signed balls, scarves and family match tickets to lift the youngsters’ spirits ahead of the holidays.
Ellen Parker, Paediatric Matron, thanked all the visitors to the ward for their generosity and kindness. She said: “These visits from local heroes bring such joy to our young patients who are spending time in hospital over Christmas. It’s a really thoughtful gesture and special to see the excitement and happiness the visits create.”
Player Padraig Amond, from Woking Football Club, said: “It’s probably one of my favourite days of the year. I have two kids myself, so it’s extra special since I had my own children.
“You understand how much work the doctors and nurses put in. It can be heartbreaking to see the kids but it’s also lovely to see them with smiles on their faces.
“It’s brilliant to able to do it.”
Ian Nicholson is the Woking club chaplain. He said: “This is our 15th year of coming in to Royal Surrey. The fans and the players chip in and raise money to spend on gifts for the children at Christmas. It’s a highlight of the year for us. The players love doing it.
“They love giving a little back. One of the parents said her daughter’s spirits had lifted so much just seeing everybody.”
Jake Fernie, 15, is a big football fan. He said: “It’s made my day. I love football.”
Mum Clare added: “It’s definitely perked him up. They were a really nice group of lads. It’s made such a difference and it’s changed the mood here.”
Pictured above: Top left, representatives from Aldershot Football Club; top right, Harlequins Rugby Club; bottom left and right, Woking Football Club.