Stars from the Leeds Rhinos men’s, women’s and netball teams visited Leeds Children’s Hospital on Tuesday afternoon to give presents, provided by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, to children who are in hospital during the festive period.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the official charity of Leeds Rhinos, raised £1,400 thanks to kit donated by the Leeds Rhinos players and with this they bought gifts to hand out to children across Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Leeds Rhinos star Ash Handley said: “It’s been good to be able to visit the hospital again as it means so much to the children and their families for us to come here. It’s a small time in our day to hopefully cheer some children up is a small thing we can do and we hope it can bring a bit of light to their situation and it means a lot to us. It really touches home, it’s quite tough to do it and I commend the staff and the parents who are going through it every day, so for us to come here and give them a bit of positivity and a little present means the world to us.”
Lisa Beaumont, Therapeutic and Specialised Play Manager at Leeds Children’s Hospital, said: “It’s really wonderful to have the Rhinos team back here at Leeds Children’s Hospital, they have always been a wonderful support to our children and families and they are so lovely with them all at this difficult time and it just gives them something nice to focus on. They have brought along some nice gifts and will be giving out autographs and it’s just great to have them back!”
Leeds Rhinos Netball joined the visit for the first time and the club’s new signing Elle McDonald said: “It’s a really special day to come out to the hospital and it definitely puts things into perspective, knowing that some of the children we have met are probably going to be spending time in hospital over Christmas, when a lot of us will be fortunate enough to be a home with our families, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to come along and hopefully put a smile on their faces and bring them some joy.”
Thanks must go to Fourway Executive Travel who provided the free transport as well as the staff, doctors and nurses who were welcoming and ensured the visit was able to go ahead after a two year gap due to Covid.
If you would like to donate to the Leeds Children’s Hospital Christmas appeal and find out about the Christmas Wish List CLICK HERE https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/