Baggies stars raise smiles during hospital visit
Young West Brom fans received a treat when some of their favourite stars showed up on the wards at Sandwell Hospital.
Gareth Barry, Sam Johnstone, Matt Phillips and Charlie Austin handed out presents to young patients during a special Christmas visit.
The Baggies stars met youngsters in both children’s wards, where they also signed autographs and posed for photographs.
The event was organised in partnership with Your Trust Charity, which is run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and serves to enhance the experience of patients, their families and staff.
Fresh from scoring two goals in the win over local rivals Birmingham at the weekend, Charlie Austin, said: “We are here to give presents out and to lift spirits as much as we can to bring joy to the people who are here.
“The reaction has been good with some who were obviously delighted to see us. They are going through a tough time.
“Being a parent, I certainly know what it’s like when your child is in hospital, let alone at Christmas time, so to come and give gifts and see the smiles on their faces – well it means a lot to us.
“It’s fantastic that we can do something like this, just through football.”
Avnash Nanra, ward manager for Lyndon Ground, one of the areas the footballers visited, said: “Our young patients have absolutely loved meeting their idols and it’s really perked them up.
“Being poorly at this time of year is never nice, so a visit from the Albion players is well received.
“It was so kind of the team and staff to give up their free time in this way, in order to bring some smiles to their young fans.”
