As part of three Norwich City Christmas visits, a group of five players visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals on Monday, December 12.
Grant Hanley, Teemu Pukki, Angus Gunn, Todd Cantwell and Dimitris Giannoulis surprised patients and their families on three different wards at the hospital, distributing Christmas gifts whilst posing for photographs and signing autographs.
Staff at the hospital were also given a special hamper as a special thank you for their hard work during the year.
Speaking to Canaries TV, Angus Gunn said: “It was all about making the patients and staff happy and putting a few smiles on faces. Being in hospital is never a nice experience, particularly at this time of year.
“There were a lot of Norwich City fans around which was really nice, too. Everyone was really welcoming and it was nice to see some of the reactions.”
Todd Cantwell added: “We’re trying to make a positive for all of those who’ve had a tough day, week, month or year.
“There were a lot of surprised faces and you can see what it means to the patients and staff. For a club like ours, it’s so important we give back to our community.”
Alice Cook, Pediatric Emergency Matron on the children’s ward at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “It has been amazing to have had the players here. It has really lifted the spirits of the staff and patients. We haven’t seen so many smiles on the ward for some time.
“It has been a really difficult period for both families and our staff, as there are a lot of viruses and illnesses going around at the moment.
“We’re doing everything we can to support the children and their families. The visit from the players has been a really big boost for all.”
Groups of other players also visited the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston-on-sea and East Anglian's Children's Hospice on Pigot Lane.
View a full gallery of photos from the players’ visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals here.
