PATIENTS young and old at the hospital had their spirits lifted this week following a visit from gift-giving Barnsley Football Club players - and it even impressed a fan from rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
First-team players from the club including Luca Connell, David McGoldrick and Neil Farrugia were on hand to cheer up patients at the Gawber Road site on Tuesday.
They came bearing gifts thanks to a partnership with Burendo who bought all the presents.
From Apple AirPods and colouring books to chocolate for elderly patients, there was plenty on offer to lift Christmas spirits.
Megan Wanless, 14, from Darfield is currently on the children’s ward at the hospital and was with her dad, Ben, on Tuesday, when the players arrived.
The St Pius X Catholic School pupil received a signed shirt from the team, much to her delight.
Her favourite player is captain Connell.
She said: “I’ve been in hospital for eight weeks.
“My school has been sending me homework though to keep me busy.”
Nine-year-old George Maxfield, who attends Silkstone Primary School, had AirPods on his Christmas list and - just like magic - he received them from the football club.
His mum, Leanne, said: “I can’t believe it.
“George likes football and his uncle Darren is such a fan that he has a box at Barnsley.”
But it wasn’t just Barnsley fans the players were there to support, they even spread Christmas cheer to some Owls supporters.
Graham Yates, 67, has been in hospital for the last six months and is hoping to go home in time for Christmas with his family in Cudworth.
Despite being rivals, he said he was delighted to receive a visit from the players.
He said: “I’ve never been to a Barnsley vs Wednesday game but that would be good.”
The club say it wouldn’t have been possible without club partner Burendo who bought all the presents for patients.
Glenn Crossley owns the tech company and is from Barnsley.
He said: “My company does a lot of work with the NHS, and my son was born 19 years ago in the Barnsley unit.
“We like giving back to the community and we especially like to do that in Barnsley.”
Connell said the trip was worth it to see the smiles on the faces of patients.
He added: “The Christmas hospital visit has been going on since before I came to the club, and the lads look forward to it.
“There are people here in hospital who watch us playing football, running around when they can’t, and we get to come and visit them.
“At Christmas, we also get to spend time with our families when kids in hospital can’t.
“You appreciate that so much when you have your own kids.
“We’re not solving patients’ problems but we can try and put a smile on their faces.”
