CHILDREN who face spending Christmas in hospital were given a boost - as Notts County stars turned up bearing festive gifts.
Thirteen first team players - accompanied by manager Shaun Derry, assistant manager Greg Abbott and chief executive Jim Rodwell - visited Nottingham Children's Hospital at Queen's Medical Centre on Monday, December 22.
They handed out presents, including selection boxes, toys and official club towels.
More than 500 gifts were donated by fans and club representatives for a biannual appeal led by lifelong supporter Rob Bristol.
Magpies fan Brandon Woodhouse, 14, from Top Valley, has been in hospital with severe appendicitis since Wednesday last week <17/12> and expects to remain there over Christmas.
He met several stars, including Taylor McKenzie, Liam Noble and Mustapha Dumbuya.
Brandon said: "It's a bit upsetting that I can't be with the whole family for Christmas but I'll have some people here.
"Seeing the players was a nice surprise and made me feel better."
Basford resident Tyler Lewis, has been in hospital since having his large intestine removed on December 3 but hopes to be out for Christmas.
The 15-year-old, who supports both County and Forest, said: "I was looking forward to it and it cheered me up."
Nathan-Ellis Ward, five, from Arnold, said: "I enjoyed meeting the players – it was nice of them to come."
Centre-back Taylor McKenzie, 20, said: "Sometimes players moan that we're in over Christmas but while we're playing football, some of these kids aren't even able to get out of hospital.
"It was quite emotional and a real eye-opener. Hopefully we can make their days a little bit easier and give them a bit of a lift."
Derry said the players were happy to take time out of their busy Christmas schedule.
He added: "It hits the players when they come to places like this and it's a really important part of the year for them.
"When you think of how many people are going to spend their Christmas in hospitals it puts things into perspective and allows them to see real life situations."
Season ticket holder Mr Bristol, 53, started the appeal - which also runs at Easter - in 2004 with his daughter Hayley Bristol, 25.
He will also hand out presents to children at Kingsmill Hospital, Caudwell House Children's Community Home, Beaumond House Community Hospice and John Eastwood Hospice.
Mr Bristol said: "We started it when the club was facing extinction and we wanted to help build the club's stature in the community and cheer up the kids in the wards.
"Every year we seem to get more and more donations. It brings a little bit of happiness when they're in an alien place."
