3/1 To Win
Derby County players and staff made their annual Christmas visit to Royal Derby Hospital on Thursday 5th December.
Men’s First-Team Head Coach Paul Warne was joined by his backroom team of Richie Barker, Matt Hamshaw and Andy Warrington, as well as squad members from the club’s Men’s and Women’s teams.
Craig Forsyth, Eiran Cashin, Ben Osborn, Nat Phillips, Kayden Jackson, Callum Elder, Hannah Ward and Lucy Jones spent time with patients and their loved ones on the Sunflower ward at the Children’s Hospital, as well as one of the adult medical wards.
Warne said: "I know how difficult it is for people at this time of year, especially for children being in hospital around December is really tough, so we've just tried to come and bring some joy.
"It's always nice to come out into the community and do things like this, it was easy to pick players because they all wanted to come."
The visit was arranged in collaboration with Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, with the club donating a TV as well as a variety of toys, gifts and fibre optic Christmas trees to provide entertainment for the patients and their families.
Forsyth said: "It's not nice for the children to be here at this time of the year.
"The staff make it fun with the games they put on for us, so it's good to try and put smiles on faces.”
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity said: "The visit by Derby County to our hospital is always a huge highlight in the Christmas calendar.
"We are so grateful that the team and staff took time out of their busy schedules to spend time giving out gifts, signing cards, chatting to adult patients and taking part in activities with our younger patients.
"It really brought a lot of joy to our patients and staff as, being in hospital, especially during the run up to the festive season, can be difficult for some patients.
"Having a chance to meet players, from a local team, really does lifts their spirits. Derby and Burton Hospitals charity are happy to be able to partner with the club in this way and I'd like to thank everyone at Derby County for their generosity and time in helping make the visit special."
For more information about Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity and how they support patients and staff around Christmas, click here.
