Heartbeat: Baggies bring joy to the wards

December 23, 2019

West Bromwich Albion stars brought festive joy to the wards when they visited Sandwell Hospital handing out presents to young patients.

Footballers Gareth Barry, Sam Johnstone, Matt Phillips and Charlie Austin met youngsters in both Children’s Wards, where they also signed autographs and posed for photographs.

The event was organised in partnership with Your Trust Charity and serves to enhance the experience of patients, their families and staff.

Striker Charlie Austin said: “We are here to give presents out and to lift spirits as much as we can and bring joy to the patients.

“The reaction has been great and we were delighted to see the patients. They are going through a tough time. Being a parent, certainly, you know what it’s like when your child is in hospital, let alone it being at Christmas time, so to come and give gifts and see the smiles on their faces – well it means a lot to us. It’s fantastic that we can do something like this, just through football.”

Avnash Nanra, Ward Manager for Lyndon Ground, one of the areas the footballers visited, said: “Our young patients have loved meeting their idols and it’s perked them up. Being poorly at this time of year is never nice, so a visit from the Albion players is well received. It was so kind of the team and staff to give up their free time in this way, to bring some smiles to their young fans.”