Shrewsbury Town players visit children at hospital - with pictures and video
Shrewsbury Town footballers brought festive cheer to youngsters spending the build-up to Christmas in hospital.
First team manager Paul Hurst, players Mat Sadler, Abu Ogogo and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Town mascot Lenny the Lion all handed out Christmas presents to youngsters on the children's ward at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital.
They were joined by the club's registered charity Shrewsbury Town In The Community.
About 30 children were joined by their parents as the footballers handed out gifts and joined them for games and photos.
Lisa Gilks, children's unit ward manager, was delighted with the turnout.
"It's an an absolutely lovely occasion for the kids and their parents," she said.
"At this time we're getting close to Christmas and a lot of our parents and children started to ask questions about whether or not they'll be home.
"It just brings a real sense of excitement to the ward. It's really nice for the guys and girls to bring presents out and bring a little bit of happiness when they're unsure about what will be happening.
"It brings happiness to staff too. You can feel the excitement, it's palpable on the ward. It's really lovely.
One of those receiving gifts were Kath Anson's daughters Lexi and Flo. Seven-year-old Flo has cystic fibrosis.
Kath, from Madeley, said: "They love football.
"Lexi comes in for two weeks at a time, she's got cystic fibrosis and we go home on Friday, it's been a long two weeks.
"It's nice to chat to the players and the managers in a normal situation, it's lovely. She's been spoilt rotten."
Town boss Hurst said: "It's a lovely part of the job but when you've got children at home you know what it means.
"Hopefully most of them we've seen will be back at home Christmas Day."
