Young patients in Morriston Hospital were given some early Christmas cheer with a special visit from their Swansea City heroes.
Players from the Swans’ men and women teams made their first festive visit to children in Oakwood, Ward M and the Paediatric Assessment Unit following the Covid pandemic.
Former Wales international Joe Allen, Harry Darling and Jeremy Yates were joined by Jess Williams, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks and Stacey John-Davis – along with club ambassador Lee Trundle – for the visit.
The Swans spent time chatting with paediatric patients and having their photos taken, while they also brought festive toys as an extra treat.
On top of that, the club funded an array of items to refurbish a paediatric service quiet room, which is a space for children dealing with emotional challenges and families to take a break outside of a typical hospital setting.
Among the items the Swans donated were a PlayStation console, controllers, a TV, furniture, artwork, a printer, toys, games and stress relievers.
Sarah James, Paediatric Ward Matron, said: “We are so grateful to the Swans for coming to visit our young patients.
“No child wants to be in hospital, particularly at this time of year, but it gave them a massive boost seeing their favourite Swansea City players. The smiles on their faces said it all.
“The players were so generous with their time and were a credit to the club in the way they interacted with the children.
“The club has also been very generous in donating items for our quiet room, which we are really appreciative of.
“Being in a hospital environment can be quite daunting, but the quiet room takes you away from that. We use it for children and young people with emotional challenges and also parents and families with very sick or bereaved children, so it’s a very important area.
“The items donated by the Swans have helped us give the room a refurbishment and new look.
“We installed everything ahead of their visit, so the players were able to spend time in the room and understand how it helps our service.”
Midfielder Joe Allen said: “Spending time with the children in Morriston Hospital was a special visit for us as a club.
“Due to Covid, it wasn’t possible to visit for the last few years, so it was even more important this year for us to meet children who are currently in hospital.
“We understand how much of a lift it can give kids who are spending time in hospital in the build-up to Christmas. Spending some time with them and putting big smiles on their faces is the least we can do.
“The hospital and their services do an incredible job, and as a father myself I’m so appreciative of the work the staff do. Equally, it was very rewarding for us to meet and chat to staff.
“We wanted to do something more than the visit, and that’s why we donated items to help refurbish the quiet room.
“We spent time in there and staff kindly explained to us the benefits it will bring and how it will help patients and families.
“That’s what it’s all about. As a football club, we pride ourselves on our community and it’s hugely important that we help out as much as we can.”
