West Brom players bring cheer to children in hospital
Baggies players took time out from their busy Christmas schedule to give out gifts to children in hospital.
Gareth McAuley, Nacer Chadli, Jonny Evans, Oliver Burke and Ahmed Hegazi were among the West Bromwich Albion players to come to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.
Among the children they spoke to was Lily Hodgkins, aged 11, from Dudley, who is in the children's ward. Parents Rebecca and Luke Hodgkins were also present.
Centre half McAuley, 38, said: “Visiting the local hospitals is always an important day in the Christmas calendar and I’ve always found it to be a humbling experience.
“It’s clearly a difficult time for the kids and their families and we know that our visits are not going to change that.
“We’re just there to try and offer a little Christmas cheer. As a parent, I can only imagine how difficult it is for all the mums and dads.
“I’ve got to say that the doctors, nurses and support staff were fantastic. They’re clearly working tirelessly to get the children well again and an inspiration to us all.”
Baggies captain Evans added: "You're always wary that it's a very personal thing being in hospital but we've been well received today.
"The smiles show that the kids are delighted to see us and hopefully it gives them something to talk about through the day.
"It's always tough to be in hospital at this time of year. I'm sure everyone's trying to get home for Christmas. Hopefully we can provide a little bit of something different for them."
