Players and staff from Exeter City Football Club’s men’s and women’s teams brought festive cheer to young patients last week as they visited the children’s ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Accompanied by managers Gary Caldwell and Abbie Britton, Ilmari Niskanen, Ed Francis, Sophie Gillies and Bow Jackson, spent time on Bramble Ward delivering toys, meeting families and chatting to staff.
The annual visit is a tradition for the club, offering moments of joy to children spending the festive period in hospital. Exeter City fan Elliot Berriman-Green, 17, who was patient on Bramble Ward, even got to have a kick around outside with his footballing heroes
This year’s gifts were made possible thanks to generous donations from the players themselves, Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, the Supporters’ Club, Senior Reds, Cans4City, Grecian Goal, Nevada Construction and Smyths Toys. They were delivered to the hospital in style thanks to Tracks Suzuki. In addition to toys for the ward, the donations meant the club has also been able to make a contribution of £800 towards fitting out a new sensory room on the ward.
The visit is part of a wider day of community activity delivered by the club, which includes the seniors’ Christmas lunch and later on in the day the calendar signing when supporters can meet players from both the men’s and women’s teams.
Manager Gary Caldwell said: “Visiting Bramble Ward is always incredibly humbling, and it reminds us just how important it is to use our platform to support others - especially at this time of year. We’re grateful to all those who donated and helped us make this visit meaningful for the young people, their families and the amazing staff who care for them.
Mimi, play specialist on Bramble Ward, said: “We’re so grateful to Exeter City Football Club. This visit really boosts not only the patients’ and the parents’ morale, it gives that little bit of excitement during the Christmas period for staff, all the nurses and doctors who work so hard on the ward, so them getting that little bit of excitement is really nice.
“We’d like to say an absolutely massive thank you to everyone donated towards all of the toy and resources, they make a huge difference to all of the children that come into the hospital.”
Abbie Britton, Exeter City Women manager added: “It is really important that as a community club, we give something back, particularly at these moments which can be so hard for families. During our visit we heard about the plans for the ward’s new sensory room, which will be a much needed space for children of all ages.”
