Footballers and young fundraiser bring festive cheer to children's hospice

A raft of Rotherham United players including Jordan Hugill and Zak Jules were joined by assistant manager Dale Tonge and first team coach Richard Wood, as they took time out to meet with children and their families, as well as staff, at the facility in North Anston and deliver special gifts from the club.

They were joined by local fundraiser – and Millers superfan – fan seven-year-old Noah Playforth from Maltby who recently raised more than £30,000 for Bluebell Wood by running a mile a day in all conditions throughout November, smashing his target of £10,000.

First team manager Matt Hamshaw from Rotherham United said: “The visits to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Rotherham Hospice are genuinely a privilege for us to be able to attend at this time of year.

“I have always maintained that community is at the heart of everything that we do at Rotherham United and there is no more important time to reaffirm that stance than at Christmas.

“I have been fortunate enough to see the amazing work that these charities do first-hand through my long association with the town and this club, but also had the chance to meet the countless inspiring individuals associated with them.

“I want our connection to places like Bluebell Wood to be as strong as they can be and the feedback from the players and staff has once again been that of amazement in terms of the incredible service that they provide for our community.

“On behalf of everyone at the football club, I would once again like to thank the staff, volunteers, the children and their families for such a warm welcome.”

Ashleigh Playforth, Noah’s mum, said: “We chose to support Bluebell Wood because it’s a local hospice that means so much to so many families.

“Becoming parents makes you look at places like this differently – you appreciate just how important their care is, and we wanted to give something back.

“The public response has honestly been incredible.

“Seeing our community come together with so much kindness, encouragement and pride for a seven-year-old boy has meant more than we can ever say.

“We’ve felt so grateful and humbled, and we’re unbelievably proud of Noah and the difference he’s trying to make.

“Meeting the Rotherham United players has also been a really special part of this journey – first at Noah’s final run, and now again during their visit to Bluebell Wood.

“He’s absolutely football-mad, so having professional players cheer him on and recognise what he’s achieved has been incredibly exciting for him, it’s something he’ll always remember.”

Sarah Duffy, head of family support at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “It always puts a huge smile on the face of our children, young people, their families and staff to meet the team who bring lots of positivity and warmth to the hospice and we are so very grateful.

"Thank you to Rotherham United and, Noah and his family, for joining us.”