The Leeds Rhinos squad headed to the Leeds Children’s Hospital at the Leeds General Infirmary this afternoon to help spread some festive cheer amongst the youngsters.
On their visit, the squad caught up with young Rugby League player Reagan Tolson, who is recovering from a road accident. The Bradford Bulls scholarship player had been in intensive care until recently and said he was boosted by the visit from the lads, including his hero Danny McGuire.
My spirits really lifted today after seeing my childhood hero, thank you @DannyMcguire6 and @leedsrhinos for today, really enjoyed it ?? pic.twitter.com/zEESYF25tw
— Reagan Lee Tolson (@RLTolson) December 14, 2016
Rhinos skipper Danny McGuire proved to a popular man and was more than happy to sign autographs and chat to young fans.
A big thanks to @DannyMcguire6 and all the @leedsrhinos lads that visited the LGI childrens ward today. You made my sister and nieces day? pic.twitter.com/lZLOPc6KM1
— Baz Bunn (@BazBunn) December 14, 2016
The whole squad were split into four groups to get around all the children's wards. The hospital staff and volunteers were hugely helpful in enabling the trip to happen and gave up their time to show the lads around and explain what each unit was responsible for.
The @leedsrhinos are now making friends on the CAT Unit at Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/KsJN6CA9TU
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
The whole event was co-ordinated by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. The Foundation paid for gifts for the youngsters with a range of gifts available depending on the age of the child including teddy bears, watches and games. On behalf of the Foundation, we would like to say a special thank you to all those supporters who raise money during the year for the Foundation through fundraising events, like Run with the Rhinos, which enables us to keep doing work like this.
Look who's had an early Christmas present from @leedsrhinos today! pic.twitter.com/HMG2gTO2PZ
— Gary Hides (@garyhides) December 14, 2016
The press were also there including Sky Sports News, Yorkshire Post, League Express and Made in Leeds. Plus Roxy Gallagher from Leeds Rhinos TV was on hand to capture the event and there will be a dedicated section on the visit in the Christmas Special of Leeds Rhinos TV out before Christmas.
Check out @madeinleeds tonight for an insight into this afternoon's fantastic @leedsrhinos @rugbyleeds visit to Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/wDWiseNPFy
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
The trip to the Leeds Children's Hospital is an annual event that the players and staff always look forward to, including Jonny Wainhouse, who previously worked at the Foundation and is now part of the Rhinos coaching team.
Outstanding afternoon at @nhsleeds around the children's wards. An absolute pleasure been involved in an event like this annually ?? pic.twitter.com/qxr3XfBKs5
— Jonny Wainhouse (@jonnywainhouse) December 14, 2016
As well as the chance to put a smile on the faces of the youngsters, the visit also enables the players to see what happens at the hospital. As proud members of our local community, it is great for them personally to see the incredible work that is done in our city by our wonderful NHS staff.
So lovely to see @leedsrhinos making little ones and parents days brighter at hard times..My nephew and his visit ? pic.twitter.com/M4vMgGlTWo
— Keira Dawson (@keira_dawson) December 14, 2016
Well this wasn't expected??? @leedsrhinos pic.twitter.com/hlnXV3OTlB
— libertydonxchie (@libertydonachie) December 14, 2016
Checking out physio facilities on Ward L30 with the @leedsrhinos at Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/OwpZfgcybZ
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
Some of the @leedsrhinos spreading good cheer on L40 at Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/kv2uxQIYs8
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
Aww fab for Caitlin ?? even better for her shes home for christmas! Big shoutout to @leedsrhinos making the kids christmas pic.twitter.com/y9oaxXHDqb
— megan (@megharvx) December 14, 2016
The players also make sure that the staff are not forgotten and are more than happy to pose for photos with the incredible nurses and doctors that we should all be very proud of.
Play leader Neoma getting to know the @leedsrhinos pic.twitter.com/eCYfzlaW1Z
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
The team on Ward L10 with the @leedsrhinos at Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/q27ecAANQ2
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
The @leedsrhinos say hello to the team on L49 Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/uqh7AOUAm4
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
Getting to know the team on L30 Leeds Children's Hospital with @leedsrhinos pic.twitter.com/bMFD6h6hQ7
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016
Adam Cuthbertson has a special affinity with the Leeds Children's Hospital ever since he arrived in Leeds back in 2014. Once again this year he will give up his Christmas Day to come down to the hospital to give out gifts bought with donations from fans for his official training and playing gear. Remember, Adam will be in store from 6.30pm this Thursday at Headingley Carnegie to sell the limited edition lots for £50 cash each, so come along and help him make someone's Christmas.
Young Oscar meets @cuthbertson85 from @leedsrhinos on Ward L10 Leeds Children's Hospital pic.twitter.com/h45VCaZ8VS
— Leeds TH NHS Trust (@LTHTrust) December 14, 2016