St Nicholas Hospice Care went football crazy recently when four Ipswich Town stars spent time meeting patients, staff, volunteers and family members. Dozens of people connected to the charity had a chance to meet their heroes including club captain, Jon Walters, and star midfielder Grant Leadbitter.
Popular full-back David Wright and keeper Arran Lee-Barrett also visited the Hospice with the players talking with patients in Orchard Day Therapy. They also spent time posing for photographs and signing autographs during the hour-long visit.
The four players handed Christmas presents out to patients and children, some of whom had been on “Nicky’s Way”, a Hospice-run bereavement service for young people.
Dave Gooderham, Press and PR Officer, said: “The whole Hospice was buzzing before, during and after the visit.
“The players were all fantastic and spent time with patients, staff, volunteers and family members.“From patients who were thrilled to see young sports stars to nurses posing for a photo for the staff wall, the whole visit was a great success.”
From their own fund, the players also gave some gifts to Orchard Day Therapy including art materials and a portable DVD player.
Among the people they met was the Hospice’s football-mad Chaplain, Charles Amoah, and Di Dingley, a volunteer and Ipswich fan for more than 40 years.
Di said: “It was lovely seeing the players and the way they spent time with patients and youngsters alike was fantastic to watch. They were a credit to Ipswich Town.”
Picture Caption: Julie Barry, Orchard Day Therapy patient, proudly displays her gift of a Ipswich Town Football mug.
