COMMUNITY: Rams Bring Festive Cheer To The Royal Derby Hospital

Derby County helped to bring some festive cheer to the Royal Derby Hospital on Tuesday 2nd December, as Head Coach John Eustace and members of the Men’s first team squad spent the afternoon meeting patients, families and staff.

The players, including captain Lewis Travis, vice-captain Ebou Adams, Rhian Brewster, Sondre Langås, Jacob Widell Zetterström, Dion Sanderson and Max Johnston visited Puffin Ward, the hospital’s inpatient Children’s Ward, where they joined in with craft activities, handed out presents and chatted with children receiving care.

The team also delivered a large TV for the Ward and made a donation towards the Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity Christmas appeal, which is aiming to fund a new sensory unit, which will support young patients who benefit from a calming, therapeutic distraction during their Hospital stay.

As part of their visit, the squad also spent time in the Hospital’s Renal Unit. They met patients undergoing dialysis treatment, spoke with staff about the specialist support the service provides, and made a contribution towards a fundraising appeal for a new holiday dialysis caravan in Wales - a much-loved resource that allows patients the chance to take short respite breaks while still receiving the care they need from staff based at the Royal Derby Hospital.

The visit was organised by Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, who work with teams across University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust to improve the experience of patients and staff.

Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Derby County back to the hospital. The players brought such warmth and energy to both Puffin Ward and the Dialysis Unit, and their generosity will have a lasting impact.

“From the donation towards our new sensory unit, to supporting the dialysis caravan fund, to handing out individual gifts and simply taking the time to talk with patients and staff - it all made the day feel incredibly special. Christmas can be a challenging time to be in hospital, so moments like this really do lift spirits. We’re extremely grateful to everyone at the club for their time and kindness.”

Derby's players were so impressed with the fundraising campaign on the day that, upon returning to Moor Farm, they donated a number of matchworn items including boots and goalkeeper gloves, to be auctioned off to raise further funds.

Derby County Women’s players and staff will also be making their annual visit to the Royal Derby Hospital later this month.

For more information about Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity and how they support patients and staff around Christmas, click here.