Blue Square Premier club Rushden & Diamonds` players visited the Riverbank Ward at Bedford Hospital on Tuesday, bringing gifts to the children who are spending the festive season in hospital.
After an appeal for donations of toys last week, the club received a fantastic response, both from fans and from local businesses.
The request for a visit came in from Sarah Underwood, a Diamonds` supporter who works at the hospital and thought it would nice to have the players come along, and also help promote the club in the Bedford area.
Sarah commented afterwards: “The lads were an absolute credit to the club and have done brilliantly. The whole squad made the effort to come and give out presents but they also all took the time to sit, chat and get involved with what was happening on the ward and were nothing short of wonderful with all the children they came into contact with. Seeing the smiles on the children's (and staff members!) faces was worth the organisation and all the presents donated were amazing!”
Commercial manager Rachel Roberts added: “The players and staff were more than happy to go along and meet the children who may have to stay in hospital at Christmas Time. To have a child in hospital is a worrying time for any parent, but over the festive period makes it even harder. So we are more than happy to take time out for the visit. We hope the children enjoyed the visit, the staff and players certainly did!”
