Players and management at Bolton Wanderers Football Club have been spreading the festive spirit ahead of Christmas Day with a surprise visit to Royal Bolton Hospital.

Ian Evatt was joined by First Team players and backroom staff to deliver dozens of gifts to children who are currently staying in hospital and unable to spend Christmas at home.

To show thanks, Our Bolton NHS Charity presented the Wanderers with a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ for their generosity after meeting with staff on ward E5.

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Midfielder, Kieran Sadlier, said:

It’s lovely to come down here and connect with our Bolton communities, in particular the little kids who aren’t having the best time at the moment.

“It’s great to be able to try and brighten their day up and we hope these gifts put a smile on their faces.

Kieran’s newborn son is currently being looked after on Royal Bolton Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, and is due to go home this Friday (23 December) in time for his first Christmas.

Kieran added:

Everyone staying at Royal Bolton are in the best hands. My son was born premature, so he’s currently on the Neonatal Unit. We’re really hopeful he’ll be out this week before Christmas.

“Me and my partner visit the unit every day and every night and the staff are all amazing. The work they do and the care they have for everybody in there is incredible.

“They’re there for you 24/7, they do an amazing job and I thank them a lot for how they have looked after my son and our family.

Andy Butler, Matron on ward E5 at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, thanked the players for their donations:

We’re all blown away by the incredible generosity shown by Bolton Wanderers and we’re really grateful their ongoing support.

“We know their donations will help lift the spirits of our children whilst they are with us over Christmas so we all like to say a huge thank you to all of the players and staff involved.

Click here for more information on supporting Our Bolton NHS Charity.