Express & Star

Saddlers players visit Walsall hospice to spread festive cheer

Two football players brought some festive cheer when they visited a hospice to meet patients and staff.

Published
Walsall players Caolan Lavery, and Alfie Bates with clinical nurse manager Tracey Grinell

Walsall FC's midfielder Alfie Bates and forward Caolan Lavery took time out to visit Fair Oaks Day Hospice.

The site is run by the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and is situated at the Walsall Palliative Care Centre.

The Saddlers players met staff at the Goscote Lane hospice, along with people with life-limiting illnesses.

Walsall players Caolan Lavery, and Alfie Bates with clinical nurse manager Tracey Grinell, and patients Matthew Alcock and Nigel Rose

Patients are offered the opportunity to meet with others going through similar experiences – with a variety of activities offered.

Scott Brotherton, community marketing officer, said: "They were there for around an hour talking to patients and staff.

"There was lots of laughter and a couple of the guys had a good laugh together – it was really enjoyable.

"It's something we've been doing for a number of years – three years or more – where the hospice gets in touch and they wondered if the club wanted to visit.

"We do one at Walsall's Manor Hospital as well and we always try to do those two around Christmas time.

"It's something we're quite proud to do."