Derby County’s first-team coaching staff and playing squad made a Christmas visit to the Children’s Hospital at Royal Derby Hospital on Tuesday.
All four of the Rams’ management staff made the trip to visit children in two of the hospital’s wards, along with families attending appointments as outpatients, as well as select number of players.
The players included captain Curtis Davies, Scott Loach, Korey Smith, Conor Hourihane, Richard Stearman, James Collins, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Craig Forsyth, alongside Head Coach Paul Warne and his staff Richie Barker, Matt Hamshaw and Andy Warrington.
Children in the hospital received Derby County gifts purchased by playing and coaching staff, including teddy bears, footballs and calendars, which were signed by many of the team there on the day.
Those in attendance helped put smiles on the faces of patients in Children’s Outpatients, Dolphin Ward and Paediatric Critical Care Unit.
Davies visited one of the hospital wards to meet young children and babies currently under the hospital’s care, along with their families.
He said: “It was great to get back to the hospital visit this year, while we tried to continue our support throughout the COVID-19 lockdown it’s really good to be back in person.
“We went to meet some of the families who are currently staying here while their children are unwell, and it was tough to see them poorly, but we’ve really appreciated the chance to get to speak to those families and hopefully bring a bit of a festive cheer and a small gift for each child.”
Head Coach Warne echoed that sentiment, adding: “It’s humbling, I’ve seen what the parents are going through upstairs and we all know how important children are.
“The kids are in hospital because they’re recovering from an injury or going through treatment, so if by meeting one of our players it makes their day a bit brighter, then I’m all for it.”
Children in the outpatients’ department were able to take part in Derby County themed craft activities with the players, take photos with them and get their new gifts signed too.
Emma Barnes, Interim Paediatric and Neonatal Matron at UHDB, said it was brilliant to see so many smiling faces: “I’m sure this will be something the children involved won’t forget for a long time – there was so much laughter and happiness in the air.
“The Christmas visit is always a highlight for us as staff to give something extra special to our patients at this time of year, so we would all just like to say a huge thank you to Derby County for taking the time to visit us. It was a real Christmas treat!”
The University of Hospitals Derby and Burton will also receive a monetary contribution from staff and players’ donations through their official charity, who the Rams proudly displayed on their kits at the back end of the 2019/20 season.
This donation will allow the Children’s Hospital to purchase games, toys or equipment to enhance their wards.