Plymouth Argyle players brought smiles to the faces of children and their families at Derriford Hospital when they walked in, armed with presents.
Players and backroom staff visit the children’s wards laden with gifts every year. This year they visited play areas on the children’s wards, the Teenage Cancer Trust breakout room and the children’s Emergency Department.
Together with Pilgrim Pete and Father Christmas, the players and staff spent the afternoon talking to children and their families and giving out jester hats, beanies, Lego, selection boxes, cars and other assorted goodies.
Manager Derek Adams said:
“We’re delighted to come to Derriford Hospital again to visit the sick children, some of whom will be having to stay in over Christmas. So it’s about just bringing a wee bit of enjoyment and some Christmas presents to them. It’s nice to do that.”
Ryan Edwards, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, met with teenagers also affected by cancer. He said:
“I just want to say a huge thank you to Kerry and Lucy and the Teenage Cancer Trust. It was great to come back and see patients who have been through similar to what I’ve been through.
“It’s great to see them getting stronger and getting through something which I know is very tough. I’ve been there myself so I’ll be there to support them and it’s great to see them up and well. I just want to say thanks from myself and from Plymouth Argyle.”
Players and staff from the city’s other top sports clubs – Plymouth Raiders and Plymouth Albion – also visited the wards before Christmas.
Other groups included the Music Makers, who made their third visit to the wards, bringing special guests including Princess Ana and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, Spiderman and Batman.
Meanwhile Staff at Capita Plc Money Centre delivered a fantastic selection of toys and gifts to the children’s wards. Donations from staff and friends of Capita will continue into the New Year to help purchase new items for the Activity Centre on Woodcock Ward.
Craig Wassall from Capita said:
“We all wanted to provide a little Christmas spirit to the children’s wards and thought this would benefit those children who have to be in hospital over the Christmas period.”
