Bluebell Wood Sheffield: Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday stars make Christmas wishes come true

Football stars from the Premier League and Championship have brought Christmas wishes to life at a Sheffield children's hospice.

Players from Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday met with some of the children and families supported at Bluebell Wood's hospice in North Anston for some photos, fun and a kickabout.

Ruth Wallbank, Regional Fundraising Manager said: "A big thank you to everyone at Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United football clubs for their visits and the kind gifts they provided for the families attending.

"It was wonderful to welcome them into the hospice during the festive period and everyone had great fun making unforgettable memories."

Owls stars including Liam Palmer and Akin Famewo posed for pictures with some of the hospice's residents. Players from the Sheffield United squad were also present to meet with families and youngsters in Bluebell Wood's care.

Dave McCarthy, Head of Operations at SUFC said: "As a club we look forward to this time of year when we can send our players and staff to visit our friends at Bluebell Wood and as usual, they had an amazing time.

"We have been working with Bluebell Wood for a long time now and have a great relationship. Everyone at the Hospice made them feel welcome and it was really nice to see some smiling faces and spread some Christmas cheer.’"

Bluebell Wood supports over 300 families of children and young adults with life-shortening conditions in both their Sheffield hospice and in family homes. They provide a range of services, including overnight care, respite care, music therapy and counselling.

It costs £5million per year to keep the doors to the hospice open for families from across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and part of North Lincolnshire. Bluebell Wood relies heavily on public donations, with only 20 per cent of their funding provided by government sources.