Coventry City

More than 20 of the club’s first team stars along with manager Mark Robins visited the children’s ward at the hospital to meet children and their parents.

As well as donating gifts from CCFC and signing autographs, the players had also clubbed together to buy the ward an Xbox, games and other toys to keep the children entertained while they are on the ward.

Robins said: “It was nice to be able to go along and see children and their families smiling when they met the players and Sky Blue Sam.

“I know how much the club means to people in the community and you could really tell that it had given everyone a boost.”

Skipper Carl Baker said: “Visiting the hospital puts everything into perspective and the lads wanted to have a whip-round and buy a bit extra for the children’s ward.”

The club are also supporting University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire’s appeal to ask families across the city to buy an extra gift this Christmas to donate to the children’s ward.

People wanting to donate a gift are asked to drop it off at UHCW Charity in the main reception of University Hospital, or at the CCFC Superstore at the Ricoh Arena, by December 19.    

So each gift is given to a child who will get the most enjoyment from it UHCW, the charity asks that they are not wrapped when they are donated. However, donations of gift wrap are welcome as all presents are wrapped by staff.

Gifts can be of any value and include music and entertainment, books, toys, toiletries, colouring books and puzzles and clothing.