Video and pictures: Shrewsbury Town players visit children's ward
A bit of festive cheer came to a children's hospital ward when players and management from Shrewsbury Town came bearing gifts.
Four of the team's players, along with manager Micky Mellon, paid a visit to the children's ward at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
They spent yesterday afternoon giving out gifts to some of the youngsters on the ward, some of whom may be spending Christmas Day there.
But despite that, the children on the 32-bed ward could not have been more pleased to see some of their favourite players.
Striker James Collins said the visit really hit home after becoming a father for the first time 11 weeks ago.
"It's just very humbling coming here because you appreciate what you have.
"It's nice to see how we can put a smile on some of the kids faces."
Collins, Jermaine Grandison, Mat Sadler, Scott Vernon, fitness coach Andy Hodgen and the team's mascot Lenny the Lion handed out a number of presents to children on the ward.
Shrewsbury Town in the Community donated £100 worth of presents, Toys R Us donated a further £100 of goods and the Shrewsbury Town Club Shop also donated a number of items.
Genna Vernon, who is hoping her son Joey Hogan will be home for Christmas, said the visit really lifts the spirits of everyone in hospital.
The 25-year-old from Donnington, said: "It was great seeing the players come in and visit.
We are hoping Joey will be able to go home soon and we hope he will be home for Christmas."
Club boss Micky Mellon said: "It really is important that we carry out these visits, as it means a lot to the children."
