ALBION players brought festive cheer to the children at Russell’s Hall Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
Gareth McAuley, Ahmed Hegazi, Nacer Chadli, Allan Nyom and Oliver Burke delivered presents from Santa, posed for photographs and signed autographs for the kids on the paediatric ward.
Baggies defender and parent Gareth McAuley - on his seventh annual hospital visit with the Club - says the visit is always a “humbling” experience for the players.
“Visiting the local hospitals is always an important day in the Christmas calendar and I’ve always found it to be a humbling experience,” said the Northern Ireland international.
“It’s clearly a difficult time for the kids and their families and we know that our visits are not going to change that.
“We’re just there to try and offer a little Christmas cheer. As a parent, I can only imagine how difficult it is for all the mums and dads.
“I’ve got to say that the doctors, nurses and support staff were fantastic. They’re clearly working tirelessly to get the children well again and an inspiration to us all.”
Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Diane Wake, added: “No child wants to spend Christmas in hospital away from their home and loved ones, so it’s wonderful when their stay over the festive period with us can be made a little more pleasant.
“We look forward to the visit from West Bromwich Albion FC every year and it is always heart-warming to see the players put a smile on the faces of the poorly children we look after.”