Ipswich Town players spread festive cheer with children in hospital

Club captain Luke Chambers, Teddy Bishop, Alex Hensall and David McGoldrick visited the children’s ward at Ipswich Hospital, while Jonathan Douglas, Tommy Oar, Piotr Malarczyk and Freddie Sears, along with former Town player Simon Milton, visited Colchester General Hospital.

They spent around an hour at the hospitals, meeting the patients and their families and signing autographs.

They also delivered presents which will remain on the ward all year round, including toys and arts and crafts sets, and a number of presents paid for by the footballers themselves, including baby comforters, stationery sets and footballs.

Luke Chambers said: “There is never a good time to be in hospital but at this time of year it must be especially difficult.

“If the players making these visits and taking in a few presents can give the youngsters a little lift, then great. That is what we hope to do.”

A spokesman for Colchester General Hospital said: “It was a fantastic visit, greatly enjoyed by the children, parents and staff.

“A dozen children, ranging in age from nought to 14, were well enough to meet the footballers in the playroom.

“They were all given a present to take with them when they are well enough to go home.

“In addition, the players also bought presents, such as toys and arts and crafts sets, which we’ll keep on the unit so that they can be enjoyed by the thousands of children we care for every year.”