Players visit the hospital’s Children’s ward, Neonatal Unit and Elderly Care ward to meet patients and deliver Christmas gifts.
Lee Johnson and the Reds first team squad visited Barnsley Hospital this afternoon to spread a little Christmas cheer. The players took some time out after training to meet patients, parents and staff on the Children's Ward and Neonatal Unit, while Reds Legend and record appearance holder Barry Murphy met with patients on the Elderly Care ward. Ahead of the visit the players organised a collection and bought a range of gifts to give to the children at the hospital.
Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson, commenting at Barnsley Hospital said “It's been an absolute honour to meet the patients, parents and staff here at Barnsley Hospital today and spread some Christmas cheer at such an important time of the year. As a Football Club we're committed to getting out and meeting with the local community and we know just how important the annual hospital visit is to our fans. We've really enjoyed the visit and met some fantastic people along the way, so I'd like to say a big thank you to all the staff at the Hospital who have made us feel very welcome. They work so hard throughout the year to provide incredible support to those in need and they are a huge credit to the local community".
During the visit Lee Johnson and Chief Executive Ben Mansford stopped by the Tiny Hearts Appeal Incubator to make a donation to the cause on behalf of the Football Club. The hospital has taken on a unique approach to raising much needed funding and installed the incubator to act as an extra large collection tin in the hospital main reception. Barnsley Football Club is fully behind the campaign which aims to raise £1 million to help fund a brand new Special Care Baby Unit at the hospital. All money raised for the Tiny Hearts Appeal will be used to buy essential equipment such as intensive care units for babies that need that extra help with breathing, keeping warm or feeding, double beds and homely furniture for families who need to stay at the hospital, and the best infant resuscitator equipment.
For more information on the Barnsley Hospital Tiny Hearts Appeal, please click here. You can donate to the Appeal by texting Tiny02 plus your donation amount to 70070.
