Players from Cardiff Rugby spread festive cheer to the children's hospital

Families and staff on the wards at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales enjoyed a visit from the first team squad including Taulupe Faletau, Ellis Jenkins, Uilisi Haaholo and Rhys Carre.

Children, some of whom will be spending Christmas in hospital, were treated to various gifts and the opportunity to chat with their Cardiff Rugby heroes.

Alison Oliver, Clinical Service Lead for the Children's Hospital for Wales, added: “Thank you to the Cardiff Rugby team who made time for a visit to the Children's Hospital for Wales this year.

“The team visited four of the wards and lifted the spirits of both children and their parents chatting about Christmas their interests and providing them with gifts from the team.

“We are very grateful that they take this time out of their busy schedule to make a difference to the families at this time of year.”

Owen Lane, who attended Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, said: “Our Christmas visits are always a highlight of the squad’s festive season and something we really enjoy doing.

“It’s obviously a time of the year where most of us can enjoy festivities with family and friends but not everyone is so fortunate. Some of the children we visited will be in hospital throughout Christmas, so if we can offer a brief bit of escapism and put smiles on faces, whether that is for the patient, their family or the brilliant NHS staff, then it is more than worthwhile. 

“We had lots of gifts thanks to the likes of Macron and Gilbert, signed posters and posed for photos and it was amazing to see the reaction for what is quite a small gesture. It’s also always quite a grounding experience for us to see what other families are going through, and the fight and resilience they display every single day. 

“It really does put things into perspective when we are going through tough times on the pitch or with injuries. These families in hospital and the amazing staff really are an inspiration to us all.”