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A group of 12 players visited Ward 18, Ward 21/22 and the children’s ward. They also made time for a quick visit to the Emergency Department and were on site for over an hour, much to the delight of all involved.
The players were accompanied by hospital matrons, who supported the visit to their own ward areas. The matrons explained to the players how some of the patients will have to stay in hospital over the festive period and how much they will appreciate the visit from the club.
Everyone was thrilled to see them, from staff to patients and visitors, and the lads spent time chatting, signing autographs and posing with fans for selfies. Among the fans was Patricia Wroe, 90, from Barnsley. Speaking from her hospital bed, she said: “It was a lovely surprise for the players to pop in. It’s a special day for me anyway as my son is 70 today. I also grew up with football. I even remember Tommy Taylor!”
Alan Whiteley was another patient who got a visit and photo with the players. Alan was joined by his visitor Yvonne Nunn. He said: “I started going to see the team when I was five with my dad, and now I’m 80. I’ve got lots of memories of some good games – and some bad ones!” Alan has managed a couple of pub teams in the past and his son and grandson still go to matches regularly.
One of the players, midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn, said: “We want to give back to the patients because it’s difficult being in hospital any time but especially at this time of year.” His team-mate Corey O’Keeffe added: “It is hard for people who love to be watching or playing sport when they’re in a hospital bed.”
While on ward 21 and 22 the lads spent time chatting to lots of different patients. One patient, Trevor, 90, told the players how he has been a lifelong Barnsley supporter and explained how every Saturday he checks on the scores. Giving the lads a ‘You Reds’ chant on the way out.
In the afternoon, it was great to have striker Aiden Marsh, a local lad, as part of the players’ visit. The visit was arranged by Bethany Grainger (Ward 18) and Christopher Ridyard, First Team Operations Lead, from the club. Christopher is even returning to ward 18 on Christmas Day afternoon to spend more time with patients.