FIRST TEAM SQUAD VISITS CHILDREN'S WARDS AT ADDENBROOKE'S HOSPITAL
Following their usual tradition, the players of Cambridge United Football Club paid a festive visit to the Children's Wards at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Players visited children on wards D2, C2, C3 and F3.
The U's spent time chatting to the children, parents and siblings, as well as staff, signing autographs and putting a smile on many faces. Goodie bags and presents were given out and left for the children who will unfortunately find themselves in hospital over the next few weeks.
Following the visit Steph Fairbain, Therapeutic Play Manager at the hospital, commented: "We really enjoy having the players come into the hospital – at Christmas and at other times.
"The Christmas visit, something that has been happening for a number of years, is especially enjoyed by patients, their families, siblings and staff on the wards. The children get to have their photos taken with the players and find out about being a football player.
"We would like to thank the team for taking the time out to come and visit the children and staff. It gives everyone an opportunity to have some fun whilst being in a hospital environment."
Meanwhile Cambridge United captain Mark Roberts, said: "We are pleased that we can play a small part in trying to put a smile on the faces of these children at Christmas. The nurses do a fantastic job throughout the whole year and work unbelievably hard so a visit at Christmas is the least we can do. It is a very humbling experience and makes us realise how fortunate we are."
Rev Stuart Wood, Chaplain to Cambridge United who coordinates the visit for the club in conjunction with Cambridge United Community Trust, said: "It is always a privilege for Cambridge United to visit the Children's Wards at Addenbrooke's.
"Again this year, we met some amazing children and young people, their families and the staff, and it is humbling to see how something that in so many ways is so simple, has such a big impact in putting smiles on faces. Our thanks to the Children's Play Team at the hospital for arranging the visit, and to the Sainsburys store on Coldhams Lane, Booker Wholesale and Barnwell Baptist Church for their donations towards the goodie bags."
Head to @CambridgeUtdFC to check out all the pictures from yesterday's visit to the Children's Wards. Cambridge United would like to wish all the children and all the staff at Addenbrookes a very Merry Christmas.