Football fans receiving care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) had an early Christmas present after being visited by Premier League heroes Ipswich Town.
Chairman Mark Ashton and players Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Greaves, Conor Chaplin, Sam Szmodics, Nathan Broadhead, Dara O’Shea and Cameron Burgess met children, young people and families at The Treehouse.
As well as bringing presents, they signed autographs, posed for photos and took part in festive craft activities.
Among those to meet the Blues contingent was Callum Winter, who has Cerebral Palsy.
The 14-year-old was there with parents Rebecca and Richard and siblings Caitlin, 12, and Oliver, nine.
Rebecca said: “This visit has been such a boost, and it’s something we’ve really been looking forward to.
“It’s lovely of the players to give their time, and they were great – genuinely interested and asking lots of questions about Callum. They wanted to know more about his condition and how it affects us, as a family.
“It was another lovely event at The Treehouse – a place that has become such an important part of our lives.
“The staff here have been an immense support since day one, and we’re eternally grateful.”
Also excited to meet the players was three-year-old Leo Taylor, who has the rare genetic condition KCNB1. He was there with mum Hannah and grandparents Cliff and Louise.
Hannah said: “The guys were absolutely brilliant, and it was lovely to have an opportunity to meet them. Conor, especially, was such a sweetheart and even had a kickabout with Leo.
“Christmas can be tough, so something special like this lifts our spirits. Leo loves football, and his face lights up when it comes on the telly.
“We’re so grateful to the club and everyone at the hospice for making this happen. The day has become a treasured memory and one of the best we’ve had.
“The Treehouse is a wonderful place, and it’s helped us so much. It’s a safe space for us all, as a family.
“Leo has nocturnal epilepsy, and it means we’re up several times a night. A good night might mean three or four times, but a bad one can be up to 20.
“Having somewhere we can relax, unwind and recharge our batteries means the world.”
EACH was Town’s dedicated charity partner for October’s Premier League fixture against Everton.
There was a bucket collection around the ground and in the hospitality areas, as well as information and messages about the charity’s work being displayed in the programme, on the giant scoreboard and electronic advertising hoardings.
Town defender Burgess said: “It’s important to be visible in our community and lovely to be in a position to put smiles on faces, hopefully making a positive impact on people’s lives.
“For the families to welcome us into their happy place felt great, and it was lovely spending time with them. These children deserve the world, and it was great to see them having fun.”
Senior Corporate Fundraiser Billie Nugent manages EACH’s relationship with Town.
She said: “We’re grateful to have a strong partnership with the club, and this visit was both special and memorable.
“The players coming in always creates a stir, and you can see the joy on families’ faces when they get to meet their heroes.
“It means so much and gives everyone a lift in the run-up to Christmas.
“Our sincere thanks to the players and everyone at the club for giving their time and making this visit possible. It means so much to so many.”
Pictures: Leo Martin (@parallaxwolf)
