Sheffield United stars deliver Christmas cheer at hospices and hospitals

Sheffield United star Caolan Lavery with John Newton, 15-month-old Charlotte and 4-year-old Emily Newton at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

Blades players delivered gifts and met patients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in North Anston.

First team members, manager Alan Knill and other representatives from the club also paid a call to St Luke's Hospice, where goalkeeper Simon Moore is an ambassador; Sheffield Children's Hospital; and Weston Park Hospital during the day.

Sheffield United Ladies captain Rosa Neary with student nurse Lucy Hallsworth, Layton and Blades midfielder John Fleck at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

Defender Jake Wright, who is an ambassador for Bluebell Wood, led the club's contingent visiting the hospice, which also included midfielder John Fleck and Sheffield united Ladies' stars Rosa Neary and Rachel Ruddech, among others.

They were joined by Bramall Lane stadium announcer Gary Sinclair, who presented the hospice with a cheque for £1,650 which he had helped raise.

Wright described the hospice as an 'amazing' and 'humbling' place, adding: "It's just a pleasure to be here and put a smile on people's faces, as well as bring in a few gifts."

The presents were funded by donations from all strands of the club, from players to admin staff. Kit manufacturer Adidas also chipped in, as did Westfield Health, Redtooth and HR Media.

Sheffield United stars with patients, their families, staff and volunteers at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

Dave McCarthy, the club's operations director, said: "Our club traditionally enjoys a fantastic connection with its community, and the Christmas period gives everybody at the club a real chance to give something back.

"This is one of our favourite times of year at United. It's priceless to be able to provide a bit of festive cheer to the fans who are in hospital and hospice yet still want to support our club."

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