Villa and Wolves players visit young patients to spread festive cheer

Aston Villa FC players, including Captain John Terry, stopped by Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn’s Children’s Hospice yesterday to help spread festive cheer with young people, staff and families.

Wearing seasonal Santa hats, the players met with young patients, took photos and distributed gifts at both charities, ahead of Christmas celebrations next week.

At the hospital, over 20 squad members took time out to spend time on Wards 5, 7, 10 and 15 along with the Oncology Outpatients and Play and Admissions Centre.

They signed autographs, posed for photographs and gave out early Christmas presents.

Visiting Acorns Hospice, they were game for a few practical jokes from young patients, including the classic whoopee cushion gag, which caught John Terry and Jack Grealish off guard but left them in good spirits.

Emma Eardley, Deputy Manager and Senior Play Specialist for Play and Youth Services at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said:

“It’s always a highlight of the year when we welcome the Aston Villa players into our hospital. It gives our children and families a real lift, especially those who will be spending the Christmas period with us.

“We’d like to thank everyone at the club who helped make the visit happen and also for their support for our Out To Play Appeal. It was fantastic to see the excitement and happiness that came from our young people meeting their football heroes.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC players also popped into Acorn’s Hospice to spread some good will and cheer..

Wolves’ Danny Bath and Matt Doherty donned festive hats and spoke to children and staff to see first-hand the work they do in the Black Country.