Richie Wellens and four Oldham Athletic players visited the Children’s Ward in the Royal Oldham Hospital recently to spread some festive cheer for youngsters who are unfortunately sick at this time of year.
Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Ousmane Fane, Gevaro Nepomuceno and Anthony Gerrard, as well as manager Richie Wellens, handed out gifts to children of all ages.
Wellens said: “We’ve been to the Children’s Ward giving presents out and I think at this time of year you have to think about people that are in hospital at an unfortunate time.
“Coming up to Christmas you don’t want anyone to go through what some of these families are going through. We’re trying to take their minds off it for a little bit and give the young kids some presents.
“When the kids are opening their presents, their faces are lighting up and they are saying ‘wow’ - that’s what Christmas is all about.
“The nurses and hospital staff see this every single day, it’s a tough environment to be in and they give their all. We’re very appreciative for all the hard work they do.”
Gerrard added: “We’ve been seeing poorly kids and giving them a little present each. Unfortunately, not everyone gets home for Christmas, it’s really not nice.
“When my second boy was born he was constantly sick, I spent two weeks in the hospital with him so I’ve got a little grasp of what these Mums and Dads are going through.
“It’s not easy being in these kind of places for the parents, children and even us because you don’t like to see children in pain but if you can bring them a smile it’s nice.”