Derby County players bring festive cheer to the Royal Derby Hospital
Derby County Football Club helped to bring some festive cheer to the Royal Derby Hospital on Tuesday 2 December, as Head Coach John Eustace and members of the men’s first team squad spent the afternoon meeting patients, families and staff.
The players visited Puffin Ward, the hospital’s inpatient children’s ward, where they joined in with craft activities, handed out presents and chatted with children receiving care. The team also delivered a large TV for the ward and made a donation towards the Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity Christmas appeal which is aiming to fund a new sensory unit, which will support young patients who benefit from a calming, therapeutic distraction during their hospital stay.
As part of their visit, the squad also spent time in the hospital’s Renal Unit. They met patients undergoing dialysis treatment, spoke with staff about the specialist support the service provides, and made a contribution towards a fundraising appeal for a new holiday dialysis caravan in Wales – a much-loved resource that allows patients the chance to take short respite breaks while still receiving the care they need from staff based at the Royal Derby Hospital.
The visit was organised by Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, who work with teams across University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust to improve the experience of patients and staff.
Derby County Head Coach, John Eustace, said:
“Spending time in hospital during the Christmas period isn’t easy, especially for children and people undergoing regular treatment. Coming in to meet everyone, give out some gifts and hopefully raise a few smiles felt really important. The lads were all keen to be here and support the visit in any way they could.”
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, said:
“We were absolutely delighted to welcome Derby County back to the hospital. The players brought such warmth and energy to both Puffin Ward and the Dialysis Unit, and their generosity will have a lasting impact.
“From the donation towards our new sensory unit, to supporting the dialysis caravan fund, to handing out individual gifts and simply taking the time to talk with patients and staff – it all made the day feel incredibly special. Christmas can be a challenging time to be in hospital, so moments like this really do lift spirits. We’re extremely grateful to everyone at the club for their time and kindness.”
For more information about the Children’s Christmas appeal, please visit: https://bit.ly/44AjF0t
For more information about the Renal caravan, please visit: Toni Stanley is fundraising for Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity
