TOY APPEAL | Blues spread festive cheer at Countess of Chester Hospital

    Chester FC players and staff today visited the Countess of Chester Hospital to deliver presents to the Children’s Ward in time for Christmas.

    The presents come courtesy of donations to the Blues from our fantastic fans, set up by Big Yellow Self Storage. It is the third year CFC have been involved with the Big Yellow Christmas Toy Appeal and – together with the Community Trust – a bigger and better success every year.

    Jeff Banks of Big Yellow Self Storage said: “We’ve been able to take many of the donations to the Children’s Ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

    “As we saw today, it lit up the faces of the ill children currently in hospital and I’m very thankful to the club for once again joining us in helping put smiles not just on the faces of the children in hospital, but also several local charities who are also going to deliver the presents to children and their families in time for Christmas Day.”

    Every single player – along with Manager Marcus Bignot and CEO Mark Maguire – attended. Then, staff along with Lucas Dawson, James Jones, Ryan Astles, James Akintunde and Jordan Archer went across to the Ward to see some of the young children and present them with their own toys.

    Manager Marcus Bignot said: “I know how much it means to the children. At Christmas time it hits home – it’s not nice to see young children ill; but especially at this special time of year. We just really hope we’ve played a small part in making their day and putting smiles on faces.”

    “It’s another example of this football club and what it stands for. We’re glad we did it – for the players and myself it really puts things into perspective.”

    CFC Community Trust Chief Executive Jim Green also attended, and he added: “It is never nice to see young children in hospital but it’s particularly difficult at Christmas.

    “We’re very grateful to the hospital for allowing us to make this visit. It’s something we place a lot of importance on and hopefully brings a little festive cheer to children and their families at a tough time.

    “The players’ visit is a little bit of relief for the kids and they spent time chatting with them, handing out gifts and having photographs.

    “The doctors, nurses and staff do amazing work and this is one small way in which the club can show its appreciation.”

    Charities benefitting from the donations include:

    The Countess Charity

    Save the Family

    Children’s Services

    Local Solutions

    Cheshire Buddies

    Age UK

    Overall, with still many more donations to come in to Big Yellow Self Storage, £5,000 worth of new toys & gifts has been raised – with the Blues playing a significant part in this.

    Thanks to all Blues fans who donated presents and made a difference this Christmas!