The Sky Blues stars visited the MacGregor Ward with SBitC to promote Nutrition and Hydration week...
Coventry City stars Reda Johnson and Jordan Willis took a break from their busy injury rehabilitation schedule to meet young patients at Warwick Hospital.
The City defenders, who are currently working hard to return to full fitness following long-term injuries, visited MacGregor Ward to meet with young patients and explain the importance of a healthy diet.
The visit, which was organised by Sky Blues in the Community and was also attended by SBitC director and City legend David Busst, was part of Nutrition and Hydration Week that aims to outline the value of food and drink in health and social care.
Taking place in March annually, the theme of this year’s week is ‘How hydrated are you’. As a result the defenders handed out bottles of water to highlight that drinking plenty of fluids is as important as eating nutritious food, as well as posing for photographs and giving out autographs to young City fans.
City defender Willis says the players enjoy the community visits, and also provided an encouraging update on his injury situation.
He said: “We really enjoy getting out into the local community and meeting some of the club’s younger fans. We hope coming here today helps to take their minds off being in hospital.
“As a professional football player staying healthy and keeping in shape is crucial to my job. On top of exercising regularly, eating healthy food and making sure I drink enough fluids really helps.
"I'm in the final stages of running now and feeling good. I'm constantly nagging the physios to let me join full training but I need to make sure I'm ready before I come back.
"Hopefully, I'll be able to join full training next week and if it all goes well, maybe get an Under-21s game in and go from there. I'm desperate to get back and if I can get back before the end of the season, that would be great."
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust Matron Jane Tedstone said: “We really appreciate the Coventry City FC players visiting our children’s ward.
“As well as helping to cheer up our younger patients Reda and Jordan have helped to share an important message that we promote during Nutrition and Hydration week as well as throughout the year.
“Eating nutritious food and drinking plenty of fluids, especially when in hospital, plays an important part in recovery and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and this is just as relevant for children as it is for adults.”