🎁 Youngsters in hospital treated to visit from Exeter City players

Children, babies and teenagers in hospital received a surprise visit from Exeter City footballers.

The visit took place as part of the club’s community day, which also saw a get together for older fans and a squad calendar signing event at St James Park.

Thanks to a whip round from the players and donations from Nevada Construction, Smyths Toys Superstore, Cans4City, Grecian Goal and the Exeter City Supporters’ Club, the group was able to take more than £1,000 worth of toys and gifts to the hospital ward.

The players in attendance were Pierce Sweeney, Will Aimson, Gary Woods, Janic Wildschut, Tom Carroll and Reece Cole, along with manager Gary Caldwell and club mascot Grecian the Lion.

The group distributed gifts to children on the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bramble Ward, at the RD&E Wonford. They spent time talking to the children, some of whom will be spending this Christmas in hospital, and their families.

Gary Caldwell, said: “We take our role in the community very seriously at Exeter City and we’re pleased to be able to bring a little bit of respite to the children and their families on Bramble Ward. The players who attended all have children themselves, so I think it means they can empathise that bit more with the families of the children on the ward.

“Thanks to the donations we received, along with the players’ contribution, we were able to take in some really lovely gifts.”

The visit to Bramble Ward was organised with the help of Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, which has officially launched this week following a rebrand of the RD&E Charity.

Royal Devon Hospitals Charity community fundraiser, Debbie Allen, said: “It was a really special afternoon for young patients at the RD&E. We can’t thank manager Gary and his players enough for giving up their time to pop in and bring so many smiles to so many faces.

“Thanks also to Nevada Construction, Smyths Toys, the players and the Grecian groups for their kind donations. It was wonderful to see how support from the football club and the local business community can make a real difference at our hospital.”

Whilst one group of players were at the hospital, another were spending time with older city fans, at the club’s annual Seniors’ Christmas Social event at St James Park. The fun festive event was supported by contributions from the club and the Supporters’ Trust.

First team players joined the event, which saw guests enjoy a meal, bingo, a game of skittles, a tour of the ground and a visit to the club museum.

The day finished with the full Exeter City first team meeting and greeting the fans at the annual calendar launch and signing event.