Image gallery as Zat Knight, Stuart Holden and co visit local children's hospice Derian House
Nine members of the Bolton Wanderers first team squad took time out of their schedule to spread some festive cheer at Derian House children’s hospice in Chorley earlier this week.
Derian House is renowned throughout the region as being at the forefront of children’s palliative and respite care and is currently caring for over 300 families who have a child with a life-shortening illness.
Zat Knight, Stuart Holden, Matt Mills, Medo Kamara, David Wheater, Marc Tierney, David Ngog, Andre Moritz and Sanmi Odelusi were all in attendance on what was a moving afternoon.
The group were first given a tour of the facility including a newly constructed swimming pool and Teenage Lodge before meeting a group of patients and staff to whom they distributed a range of presents.
“The community visits at this time of year are very rewarding,” Holden said after the event. “This is my third or fourth time at what is a very well-run facility. It’s cool to see all of the great work that the guys do here on a regular basis.
“It’s always great to interact with the kids and see how they are enjoying their time.
“I think that the staff and children are both taken back a little when they see us walk through the door every year with a load of Christmas presents. It’s very rewarding and humbling to see how much it means.
“We all know how important it is for people to have a smile on their face at this time of year. Derian House goes a long way to help make that happen.”
Members of Bolton Wanderers’ stadium staff also recently took part in a sponsored walk, raising vital funds for Derain House.
For further details about Derian House CLICK HERE to visit their website.