Rotherham United’s first-team squad and coaching staff, in conjunction with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and Smyths Toys at Parkgate Shopping, recently made an early Christmas visit to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
The players signed autographs and posed for photos, whilst they also handed out gifts provided by Smyths and the Red and White Shop.
The club are regular visitors to Bluebell Wood, and on behalf of the players club captain Lee Frecklington again reiterated how honoured they were to spend time with the children and their families.
“Every time we visit Bluebell Wood we come away with a real sense of just how lucky we are,” Frecks told www.themillers.co.uk
“The staff here do such a wonderful job - the kids, families and the staff here – they are the real heroes.
“Christmas is a special time for everyone, and we hope that through our presence today that we have helped spread a little festive cheer to some very special individuals.”
Steve Colton, Store Manager of Smyths, added: “After a recent visit by the manager Paul Warne and Richard O’Donnell for a community event at Parkgate, we got talking about the visits the club makes to local hospices, hospitals and schools.
“Being a toy store, when we heard about the visit to Bluebell Wood we thought that we could help by donating some of our stock for the children, alongside receiving a visit from the players. We are honoured to play a small part in putting one or two smiles on some very brave faces, especially at this time of year with Christmas on the horizon.”
The club have enjoyed a long standing partnership with Bluebell Wood, and head of community Jamie Noble added that he was again honoured to make a seasonal visit:
“We are honoured to have been invited to make a Christmas visit to Bluebell Wood. We have held a long standing association with this inspiring charity, and all the players and coaching staff were humbled to meet some of the families who use the Bluebell Wood facilities.
“I would like to thank Steve Colton from Smyths at Parkgate Shopping for his help and for the donation of gifts which were very well received by the kids.
“Rotherham United would like to pass on our seasonal best wishes to everyone at Bluebell Wood, especially the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide such an important service.”