The children’s ward at Blackpool’s Victoria Hospital was recently lit up with festive cheer, thanks to a kind donation from the AFC Fylde Community Foundation.
Players from the football club’s first team visited the children on the ward – and brought a few festive treats with them.
Patient, Charlie Cronin, 5, receives presents from AFC Fylde players who visited the Children’s Ward at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Children in the hospital over the festive season received gifts, including toys, teddies and games. They were also given a goodie bag as they chatted to the players and Syd the Seagull.
The Foundation runs a weekly yoga session at the hospital, helping children get some gentle exercise and relaxation, engaging both their bodies and minds.
Tom Hutton, director of community development at the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, said: “We think every child in Fylde deserves the best Christmas ever, which is why we were so keen to brighten up children’s days in the hospital. Some of them may be facing a less than ideal Christmas, so it was lovely to see their smiles when they met the team and Syd! We hope they all enjoy their presents.
“We’ve been working closely with the hospital and the children to deliver our yoga sessions and give them something to look forward to each week, so this was the icing on the cake.”
Roz Norman, a Play Worker from the Victoria Hospital children’s ward, said: “The children can’t wait to see the AFC Fylde team each week for their yoga sessions – so imagine their surprise when they saw the team walk in with sacks full of presents!
“We are so grateful to the Foundation for everything it does for us, we’ve really seen a difference in the children since the yoga sessions have started – plus now they have lots of shiny new presents to play with!”