Rotherham United stars bring festive cheers to poorly children

The Millers players put smiles on faces with festive tidings for youngsters, carers, volunteers and staff at the North Anston charity.

The group included Will Vaulks, who is a Bluebell Wood ambassador and volunteers regularly.

Anna Gott, Bluebell Wood community fundraiser, said: “Thank you to everyone at Rotherham United for helping families at Bluebell Wood make magical memories this Christmas.

“The visit was a real boost for our children and young adults, and definitely an experience they won’t forget soon.”

Millers stars also head to the children’s wards at Rotherham Hospital to meet young patients.

Jamie Noble, the club’s head of community, said: “A lot of the lads who play for us aren’t from Rotherham.

“We want them to understand the community and the people they represent on the national scale.

“One gentleman at the Rotherham Hospice had heard we were coming and asked to have his football shirt brought in, which was nice.

“The children’s wards were quite quiet — some players said they would have liked to have met more people.

“But it was a relief really, as it means not many children are stuck in hospital at Christmas.

He added: “The visit to Bluebell Wood was a bit different, because of the amazing work they do with children receiving end-of-life care.

“Will Vaulks had a whip-round at the training ground and presented a donation to the hospice.”