Sheffield Wednesday stars spread some festive cheer around the city

Sheffield Wednesday's players took time out of their schedule to spread some early festive cheer during the club's annual 'Blue and White Christmas' event.
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The first-team squad and coaching staff split into six groups to visit Sheffield Children’s Hospital, St Luke’s Hospice, Weston Park Weston Park Cancer Charity, Sheffield Royal Society For The Blind, Hallam FM Cash For Kids and Grenoside Grange Hospital on Monday afternoon.

The players donned Santa hats and spent time chatting to the patients and their families. They also posed for pictures, signed autographs, handed out presents to youngsters and took part in some festive activities.

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Manager Garry Monk, captain Tom Lees, Kadeem Harris, Jacob Murphy, Dominic Iorfa and Liam Palmer dropped into the Children's Hospital.

"It is good to show our support and put a bit of a smile on their faces," said Monk. "Football clubs are viewed as a big part of the community.

"People rely on those football clubs to pick them up when they are down and sometimes help them when they are not so happy in certain situations.

"These functions are always very special, especially to come here (Sheffield Children's Hospital) and meet a lot of young people who maybe are not in as fortunate position health wise as we are.

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"It is great to show them support and put a bit of a smile on their faces and give them Christmas cheer."

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Still only 40, Monk is now embarking on his fifth job in football management.

Father-of-three Monk, appointed Owls boss in early September, said: "I have always been a big believer in this event since my playing days and it is something I have always tried to promote as a manager.

"When you speak to the parents, you realise how tough it is at this time of year when it is supposed to be about family and celebration.

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"There are people out there in a much less fortunate position than you.

"It is a great day and puts everything into perspective.

"Footballers can often be in a bubble or put on a pedestal so it is good for them to come out and get a reality check"

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