Clarets stars spread Christmas cheer to East Lancashire youngsters

All of Burnley Football Club’s first team went to visit patients on the children’s ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital, which looks after people from across East Lancashire.

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Led by team manager Sean Dyche, they gave out Clarets-branded teddy bears, books and a host of other presents as well as posing for pictures and signing autographs.

Mr Dyche said: “This is all about the link with the community which I have said from the start is very important.

“Hopefully, through giving a few presents out we can put a smile on their faces and help with their recovery.”

One youngster was especially thrilled to see the Burnley boss, walking down the corridor from his bed to say hello.

Read toddler Archie Goulding, one, was on the ward after suffering from a virus and was also thrilled to meet striker Ross Wallace.

His mum, Carolyn Woodhouse, said: “He loves football and we are planning on bringing him up as a Burnley fan, so this is a good start!

“It is nice they have come round because it lifts everyone’s spirits.”

Burnley Striker Danny Ings said the hospital visit was very important for the players.

He said: “It means the world to us to come out and this stuff.

“Christmas is a very special time for the children and some of them are spending it in hospital.

“So it is important we spend some time to come and see them.

“We are looked up to by children and it is nice to be able to make a difference.”

Five-year-old Max Rourke met midfielder Steven Reid and said he was delighted.

The Bacup youngster said: “It was exciting and I have been looking for him in my book.

“He said he liked my shirt which was really nice.”

Holly Miller, 15, from Colne, was in hospital because she had been suffering from depression, but was given a lift when she met Danny Ings.

She said: “I did not expect it. It was amazing.

“He is my favourite player so it was nice to be able to meet him. He asked me how I was doing.”