Players and staff from Derby County Football Club spread holiday cheer during their annual Christmas visit to Royal Derby Hospital on December 8. Led by Head Coach Paul Warne and Club captain Conor Hourihane, members of both the men’s and women’s teams engaged with patients, families, and hospital staff across various wards, including Neonatal Intensive Care, Sunflower, Dolphin, and Puffin Wards, as well as the Paediatric Critical Care Unit.
Paul Warne expressed the club’s delight in connecting with patients and families, emphasizing how meeting football heroes can brighten their spirits. He mentioned, “If they [patients] can meet the footballers and meet some of their heroes, it can just give them a little boost, like a bit of sunshine on a dark day.”
The Rams also participated in the Children’s Outpatients Christmas fayre, where they, alongside the club mascot Rammie, distributed presents and posed for photos with delighted children.
Conor Hourihane, the captain, shared their goal for the day, stating, “We’ve come down today to try and cheer them up the best we can, and hopefully put some smiles on the faces of the families here.”
Gwen Hatton, Divisional Nurse Director for Paediatrics and Gynaecology at UHDB, expressed the annual excitement among staff, highlighting the heartwarming impact of seeing children’s smiles when they meet players and coaching staff. She acknowledged the challenges faced by children in the hospital, especially during the festive season, and thanked Derby County for contributing to a special visit.
The club also demonstrated their commitment by donating a series of gifts to the Children’s Hospital, aiming to provide entertainment for future patients and their families.
Becky McGrother, Derby County Women’s midfielder, emphasized the joy of bringing smiles to children facing tough times, stating, “Just being able to put a smile on their faces when they’re going through a tough time has been really nice.”
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