Derbyshire Children's Hospital patients surprised with visit and gifts from Derby County Football Club
Players and coaching staff from Derby County Football Club spread some festive cheer to patients and families in Derbyshire Children's Hospital at Royal Derby Hospital (RDH) as part of their annual Christmas visit.
Derby County Head Coach, John Eustace, was joined by members of the men's first team squad as they spent time chatting with colleagues and patients, signing autographs, and handing out gifts, which included toys, footballs, and calendars.
The players visited Puffin Ward at the children's hospital, where they delivered a large TV for the ward and made a donation towards the Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity Christmas appeal, which is aiming to fund a new sensory unit at RDH to support young patients who benefit from a calming, therapeutic distraction during their hospital stay.
As part of their visit, the squad also spent time with patients undergoing dialysis treatment in the hospital’s Renal Unit and contributed towards a fundraising appeal for a new holiday dialysis caravan in Wales that allows patients to take short respite breaks while still receiving the care they need from staff based at the Royal Derby Hospital.
The club visit, arranged by Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, takes place each year and is aimed at lifting the spirits of those who are required to spend time in the hospital during the festive season. Both the club and the Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity highlighted the positive impact the visit has on both patients and staff.
Derby County Head Coach, John Eustace, said: “Spending time in hospital during the Christmas period isn’t easy, especially for children and people undergoing regular treatment. Coming in to meet everyone to give out gifts and hopefully raise a few smiles felt really important. The club were all keen to be here and support the visit in any way they could.”
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Derby County back to the hospital. The players brought such warmth and energy to both Puffin Ward and the Dialysis Unit, and their generosity will have a lasting impact.
“From the donation towards our new sensory unit, to supporting the dialysis caravan fund, to handing out individual gifts and simply taking the time to talk with patients and staff - it all made the day feel incredibly special. Christmas can be a challenging time to be in hospital, so moments like this really do lift spirits. We’re extremely grateful to everyone at the club for their time and kindness.”