First team duo Adam Le Fondre and Antonee Robinson visited the children’s ward at Royal Bolton Hospital on Monday afternoon to support National Play in Hospital Week.
As part of the nationwide initiative, the pair took time out of their schedule after training to make the journey to the town’s hospital where they presented the ward with a signed framed shirt alongside a bag of games and toys donated by Smyths Toy Store on Middlebrook Retail Park.
Meeting a number of young patients and their families, Le Fondre and Robinson played games with the children in the care of the ward alongside posing for photos and signing autographs.
The Whites’ No.9, who has three young daughters himself, said, “These community events are brilliant. As a footballer, I really do think it is our duty to do this and give back to the community.”
On-loan defender Robinson echoed his teammate’s sentiments by adding, “The club has a really good relationship with the hospital and I am more than happy to be a part of these events.
“The hospital does great things for these children and we don’t realise what they go though. It’s really rewarding to be able to represent the team and support our local community.”
National Play in Hospital Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children across the UK and this year’s theme was superheroes and princesses.
With that in mind, the staff and patients donned their capes and superhero pyjamas to celebrate the day in style.
Hazel Ross, who acts as a play worker for the children’s ward at Bolton Hospital, thanked the duo for their support, saying, “Bolton Wanderers have been visiting our ward for many years and it really lightens up the day and lifts the morale in the ward.”
For more information on National Play In Hospital Week, please visit www.starlight.org.uk/what-we-do/hospitals-and-hospices/npihw.