Barnsley Football Club was truly honoured to visit Barnsley Hospital today and met with patients, families and nursing staff at the Hospital’s Children’s Ward and Neonatal Unit.
Represented by Reds captain Conor Hourihane, Sam Winnall, Angus MacDonald, Josh Scowen and Aidy White, the Club today visited Barnsley Hospital’s Children’s ward and Neonatal Unit. Ahead of the visit, the players organised a collection and bought a range of toys and gifts to give to the children at the Hospital. In what was a moving and emotional afternoon, the players brought the Christmas gifts to help spread a little Christmas cheer to those who may be unfortunate enough to spend their festive period in hospital.The players took time to walk around the hospital wards and met with patients, parents and on-duty nursing staff. During the visit, the players also met with the Barnsley Hospital Charity team, who gave an update on the Tiny Hearts Appeal, an initiative which the Club is sincerely passionate about.
Barnsley Football Club is fully behind the campaign which aims to raise £1 million to help support the relocation and development of a brand new Special Care Baby Unit at the hospital. All money raised for the Tiny Hearts Appeal will be used to ensure the unit supports the needs of the most vulnerable babies and their families. The new unit will create a warm and welcoming environment which is incredibly important at what is often a very stressful and traumatic time for families.
On the visit, Barnsley Hospital’s Chief Executive Diane Wake said; “We really appreciate the visit from those connected with Barnsley Football Club. They are role models to a lot of people across the region and have put smiles on many faces this Christmas by visiting at what can be a tough time for the youngsters. It’s terrific to receive support like this from the players who are of course very well thought of in this area and we wish them well.”
Speaking at Barnsley Hospital, Reds Captain Conor Hourihane commented; “It’s an absolute honour to be here today and this is one of the community visits that we feel really passionate about and look forward to every year. Coming here puts a lot of things into perspective and shows just how lucky we are to be able to enjoy Christmas with our families. Some of the children here will be in hospital for Christmas, which is heart-breaking, but hopefully we’ve been able to put a smile on their faces today, and their families. I also have to give a special mention to the Hospital staff who work tirelessly throughout the year to provide incredible care to patients, as they will continue to do so over the festive period.”
“As a Club we’re really proud of the connection that we have with our community, and its days like today that hopefully show that we are more than just a Football Club. Thanks to everyone at Barnsley Hospital for giving us the opportunity to visit.”
For more information on the Barnsley Hospital Charity Tiny Hearts Appeal, please click here. You can donate to the Appeal by texting Tiny17 plus your donation amount to 70070.
