Brighton players give Christmas presents to sick children

Members of the team who were not on World Cup duty went to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton and Worthing Hospital.

Albion’s older heads including captain Lewis Dunk, Adam Lallana, Pascal Gross and former striker Glenn Murray gave out presents to children who will be stuck in hospital over Christmas.

The players visited the hospitals last Thursday.

Pascal Gross said: “The children and families are going through a tough period right now, we want to try and help them have a good day with a few presents and pictures, even if it’s just a smile for a moment.

• READ MORE: Family of boy who died from leukaemia provide joy for sick children

“It’s important for us as a club to do it. It’s a great time to give something back to the local community. The children are fighting every day and we want to make it a little easier for them if we can.”

The presents were donated by the club’s shirt sponsor Snickers UK, which is a workwear brand.

Billy Gilmour also attended, along with keeper Jason Steele, coaches Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern, as well as mascot Gully.

Billy, who signed in the summer, said: “We know it’s difficult at any time of year for families who have to bring their kids into hospital, let alone Christmas.

“It was great that giving out presents and having a chat with them put a smile on the children’s faces and it was great how happy they were to have pictures with us.”

From left in black jumpers, Billy Gilmour, Jason Steele, Glenn Murray and Adam Lallana at the Royal Alexandra (Image: BHAFC/Paul Hazlewood)

Chris Ruff, managing director of SnickersUK.com, said: “I’m proud to be working with the club on this worthwhile and much-needed project.

"It’s great to be able to give something back to the local community and put some smiles on children’s faces this Christmas.”

The hospital visits are part of Albion’s Christmas Wish campaign, which runs throughout December in partnership with SnickersUK.com and “rewards the unsung heroes in our local community”.

Albion’s next match is in London against Charlton tomorrow night in the Carabao Cup round of 16.