Children being treated at the Edinburgh Sick Kids were given a special Christmas surprise last week after they received a visit from the Heart of Midlothian team.
Making their way around the hospital, a number of youngsters were stunned to see Craig Gordon and other members of the squad as they handed out some festive goodies.
Giving some of their biggest fans a chance to take their mind off of being in hospital, the visit is the first time the team have been able to come to the Sick Kids in person since the pandemic.
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Speaking about the visit, Craig said: “This is an important day in our calendar and we are delighted to be able to visit everyone in person once again.
“Christmas is a special time of year but, unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to spend it at home, happy and healthy with family and friends.
“That it why this visit is really meaningful, because it affords us the chance to give something back and to, hopefully, put some smiles on some faces and spread some Christmas cheer.”
ECHC runs a programme of daily fun activities throughout December to make sure no one spending the season in hospital misses out on the magic of Christmas. So far, children and their families have been entertained by Santa abseiling into the building, a silent disco around the wards and a live pipe band.
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Pippa Johnston, Director at ECHC, added: “The Hearts team’s visit to the hospital always provides a real boost to children, families and staff so it is marvellous to be able to welcome them back in person. Some of the children are avid Hearts supporters so really enjoy the opportunity to meet and take photos with their favourite players and get some Hearts goodies too.
“Every year, together with our friends at NHS Lothian, ECHC works hard to make time spent in hospital a little bit brighter. We rely solely on donations and kindness to be able to do this, so we are enormously grateful to Hearts for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit those facing a hospital stay this Christmas.”
To find out more about ECHC’s Christmas appeal here.
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