Swansea City's special visit to young patients in Morriston Hospital

PICTURED: Swansea City's Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Jay Fulton, Katy Hosford, Robyn Pinder and Emily Richards meet a young fan.

Swansea City stars have kicked off Christmas with a special visit to Morriston Hospital to meet young patients and spread some early festive cheer.

Players from the Swans’ men and women teams spent time chatting with children in Ward M, Oakwood ward and the Paediatric Assessment Unit, and also delivered some toys as an extra treat.

Wales international Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton and Jay Fulton were joined by women’s captain Katy Hosford, Robyn Pinder and Emily Richards for the visit.

PICTURED: Kyle Naughton and Robyn Pinder pose for a photograph with a patient on the children's ward.

Lisa Morgan, Children’s Services Play Team Manager, said: “It’s a difficult time of year for children to be in hospital, but this visit really put a big smile on the faces of the patients and staff.

“Many of the patients are Swans fans, so for the players to come and visit them and spend time chatting is a really big boost. It also switches their focus for the reason they’re in hospital, which is a nice distraction.

“We are so grateful to the Swans for coming to visit our young patients – all the players were so generous with their time and were a credit to the club in the way they interacted with the children.

While the smiles remained on the faces of the young patients well beyond the visit, the same could also be said for the players themselves.

Swans midfielder Jay Fulton, who is a father of two, said: “It must be very difficult for children to be in hospital at any time of year, let alone during the festive season, so we’re glad we can come to meet them and chat.

“I joined Swansea City ten years ago, and we’ve always been a club that takes pride in the community and being aware of how we can help.

“Spending time with the children in Morriston Hospital is always a special visit for us as a club and as players. We understand how much of a lift it can give kids who are spending time in hospital in the build-up to Christmas.

PICTURED: Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Jay Fulton presented this young fan with a selection box and a cuddly toy.

“I am a father myself and I have so much respect and appreciation for all the incredible work the staff do in looking after us all when we need it.

“All the players really enjoyed chatting to the children and staff. For us, it’s a privilege to get to do that.”