The City manager Steven Pressley believes the players got a lot out of the visit and it was good to meet the people of the city...
Coventry City players put a smile on the faces of children at the University Hospital in Coventry with a pre-Christmas visit.
Nearly 20 of the club’s first-team stars along with manager Steven Pressley, assistant manager Neil MacFarlane and goalkeeping coach Steve Ogrizovic 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 donated their fine-money of just over £500 to buy the children on the ward Christmas presents and raise more money for other UHCW causes.
City manager Steven Pressley said: “It was nice to be able to go along and see children and their families smiling when they met the players.
“I know how much the club means to people in the community and you could really tell that it had given everyone a boost.
"Also, we always enjoy the hospital visit as it is great to go and meet the people of this city, and make people smile at this time of year."
City skipper Jim O'Brien said: “Visiting the hospital puts everything into perspective but we're also delighted to see our money go to such a good cause.
"It was great to see all the presents and gifts that the fines bought, and the charity got a little bit extra to put towards other good causes.
"Fines are a bit of fun but if we can raise money to give something back then it's great."
Adela Appleby, the Head of UHCW Charity, was delighted to welcome the Coventry City players and staff, and believes the visit has had a positive impact.
Appleby said: "We always look forward to the Coventry City visit. The children and staff love to meet the players and have their photos taken with them - it makes their Christmas."
"We would also like to thank the fans and players for supporting pack an extra present and donating gifts for Santa to give out to children in hospital on Christmas Day."
The club have supported 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.
The club would also like to thank The Entertainer in Lower Precinct, Coventry, who gave the club a discount for the toys for the visit and helped the money go further.