GALLERY: Wolves stars pay festive visit to hospital and Compton Care
Wolves’ players put smiles on the faces of patients while on their Christmas visits at New Cross Hospital and Compton Care.
Gold and black stars Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio, Jonny Castro Otto, Ryan Bennett and Taylor Perry donned Santa hats, handed out gifts and signed fans’ shirts while on the Children’s Ward at New Cross yesterday.
And over at Compton, Raul Jimenez, Adama Traore and Pedro Neto – and club legend Steve Bull – chatted to patients and staff.
Bennett – a father of four – said: “It’s difficult for people to be in these situations at this time of year.
"It is difficult all the time, of course, but for us to come and give out some presents and put smiles on faces – especially for the families facing different scenarios – is really important.
“As footballers, sometimes you get blinkered – thinking about training every day, having one aim.
“But when you take a step back and see things like this, you realise how fortunate we are.”
The players posed for plenty of pictures with children in the play area at the hospital.
GALLERY: Wolves players make New Cross Hospital visit
Sarah Beech, whose son Jack has cystic fibrosis and has been in hospital with a chest infection, said: “It brightens up Christmas a lot.
“Jack is having IVs because he has had a bad chest infection. But, hopefully, he’ll be out on the 23rd.”
Some, sadly, are not so fortunate.
Lee Stokes, an avid Wolves fan, will not be leaving hospital as he has a terminal illness.
His aunt Amanda McDonnell, though, says the visit brought moments of real happiness for Lee – who was wearing the club’s green third shirt and had his room covered with Wolves merchandise – and the family.
“He’s become very unwell over the last few weeks,” she said.
“But he’s a massive fan of the Wolves. We’ve got his tree decorated with Wolves colours and all the family are big Wolves supporters.
“We always wanted Lee to be a mascot but, unfortunately, he is too poorly.
"But, hopefully, his sister Charlie can do it instead and represent Lee. We’re looking into that at the moment.”
MORE PICTURES: Wolves stars raise smiles at Compton Care
At Compton, Neil Whittaker was given a cake for turning 60 as the players sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.
Bernard Rogers, an 82-year-old from Wednesfield, said: “It’s a very nice occasion, the players are all very friendly.
“They’re all good, especially that Traore – he’s a lovely lad.”
Wolves also visited two other wards at the hospital, while on Wednesday a group of youngsters – via the Wolves Foundation – were invited to the Compton training ground to meet their heroes.
Perry, one of the youngest members of the squad, at 18, said the experience put things into perspective.
“It’s sad to see the kids in hospital over Christmas. It’s not fair for them and their families,” he added.
“We’ve just got to appreciate life more, really. But it’s a great thing to put smiles on their faces.”
“We try to make the kids as happy as possible. Doing things like this for the community, it is a great thing.”
