Poorly children dreaming of a Blue Christmas had their wishes come true thanks to a visit from some of Birmingham City Football Club’s star players to Heartlands Hospital’s children’s wards today.

Five first team players from the club puts smiles on the faces of the youngsters when they dropped in to spread some Christmas cheer and help raise the spirits of young patients having to spend the holiday season in hospital. They also brought a Christmas gift of a £1,000 cheque donation for equipment for the ward and gave out goody bags to the patients. Players visiting the ward included Clayton Donaldson, Stephen Gleeson, David Davis, Paul Robinson and Jonathan Grounds.

Christine Morrell, play specialist at Heartlands Hospital, said: “It was truly heartwarming to have players from Birmingham City Football Club come and surprise the young patients on our children’s wards with a special visit. This is a particularly difficult time of year for children that have to stay in hospital over Christmas, but the players really helped take their minds off the treatments they’re receiving and offered them something special to enjoy.

“Everyone had a wonderful time and we would like to thank the players for taking the time to visit and for the donation.”

Paul Robinson, captain of Birmingham City Football Club, said: “I’m delighted to be here to visit the children, hand out some goody bags and put some smiles on their faces.  It is a difficult time for families at this time of year with Christmas coming up especially as some children spend a lot more time in hospital than others.  It also takes our minds off football and makes it all worthwhile as there are other important things in life that happen.”