Sheffield Wednesday players delight children at Bluebell Wood this Christmas

Players Ernie Weaver, Olaf Kobacki, Iké Ugbo and Dominic Iorfa took time out to meet with children and their families, as well as staff, at the much-loved hospice in North Anston, and deliver some special gifts from the club.

Marcus Brameld, head of community at Sheffield Wednesday, said: “The partnership between Sheffield Wednesday and Bluebell Wood spans many years and, as always, we are delighted to help spread some Christmas cheer for everyone involved with this wonderful charity.

“The smiles we see make the visit so worthwhile and we offer our sincere thanks to everyone at Bluebell Wood for welcoming us back once more.”

Sarah Duffy, head of family support at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “We love welcoming the Sheffield Wednesday players to the hospice each year. It puts a huge smile on the faces of our children, young people, their families and staff too! The energy, positivity and warmth they bring to the hospice is second to none and we are so very grateful. Thank you to them for coming to see us.”

Bluebell Wood, which opened in 2008, cares for babies, children and young people from across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and parts of North Lincolnshire whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at the hospice.

In addition to clinical care services, it provides a home-from-home for families facing the toughest of times. The team also supports other health care providers in the community and in local hospitals.

It costs almost £6.7m each year to keep the hospice running, with around just 17 percent of funding coming from government and the remaining 83 percent generated by fundraising. All services are completely free to families who are referred to Bluebell Wood.

For information about the work of the hospice and how to support it, please visit www.bluebellwood.org