The Ospreys took a break from training to drop into their local hospitals’ children’s wards today, bringing some Christmas cheer to the young patients.
Youngsters currently being treated in the children's wards at Morriston Hospital in Swansea and Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend had a surprise when their rugby heroes arrived to brighten up their day.
Players including Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar and Justin Tipuric spent time with the children, handed out Ospreys goodies, signed posters and posed for photographs.
Ospreys Captain Alun Wyn Jones was at the Morriston site.
He said: “It’s an honour to be able to visit the children’s wards and meet some of the youngsters throughout the region who unfortunately have to spend some time at hospital. It’s never easy to see little ones so ill especially at this time of year so hopefully we managed to cheer them up a bit and with any luck they will make a speedy recovery and be home in time for Christmas Day.
“A big thank you must go to the staff at the hospitals who gave us a very warm welcome today. The hospital visits have become an annual tradition for us and the team look forward to it every year.”
Ospreys Chief Executive Andrew Hore, said:
“The boys thoroughly enjoy the visits as do the children and we are delighted to be able to make a difference to a child’s Christmas and bring a little festive cheer to those who need it most. The nurses, doctors and all of the staff do such amazing work and we are very much appreciative of the opportunity to visit the ward and give a little something back.
“As the New Year approaches we look forward to continuing our work with the local community which we view as a fundamental part of being a responsible and community-minded organisation. Volunteering our time is our way of showing gratitude for the support that we get from the entire region. We’re all hugely proud to be at the heart of the community and initiatives like this show how seriously the players take this responsibility.”
Susan Bailey, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, added:
“We’re delighted that the Ospreys took time out to visit children in our wards. They were so excited to meet their rugby heroes, and it really brightened their time in hospital.”
To see our Facebook galleries from the visits just click here now!