Norwich City footballers turned Santa for the day while meeting children and families receiving care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
First-team heroes George Long, Callum Doyle, Jack Stacey and Kellen Fisher delivered presents and put smiles on faces during a visit to The Nook.
They were joined by Academy stars Charlie Wilson, Brandon Forbes and AJ Bridge, under-21s head coach Olly Lee and women’s trio Lauren Hailes, Megan Todd and Ellie Bishop.
The Canaries contingent met nearly 80 family members, including parents Wayne and Stacey Buttle.
Six-year-old daughter Kayla has the rare cancer neuroblastoma, and she was there with brothers Riley, 12, and Kory, ten.
Stacey said: “It was a great afternoon and lovely for the boys to meet their idols.
“EACH has been such a brilliant support for us, as a family, and events like this are another great example.
“When the hospice first came into our lives, I was terrified and wondered what an earth I was walking into.
“However, everyone’s so friendly and cheerful. There isn’t a dark shadow overhead, and, instead, it’s a place where fun, joyous things like this happen.”
Also among those to meet the Norwich stars was bereaved mum Sonia Morris, who continues to receive support from EACH.
Daughter Aneira died when she was 26 days old, in 2016. Her second daughter, Lola, also died this August, aged six. Both girls had Short Bowel Syndrome.
Sonia was there with son Alfie, 11, and dad Kelvin – a Canaries superfan.
“The players were brilliant – very down to earth, empathetic and genuinely interested in my story,” she said.
“It was like talking to old friends, and I can’t thank them and the club enough for making the time to pay us a visit.
“I’m also so thankful to EACH and everyone at The Nook. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be, and the care team are like one big family to me. As well as coming in to meet the players, it was also great to be reunited with members of staff I haven’t seen for a long while.”
The players signed autographs and posed for photos, also delivering presents and a hamper of festive goodies to EACH staff.
Goalkeeper George believes meeting families and getting out in the community is an important part of his job, as a professional footballer.
He said: “It’s brilliant, and, as players, we feel lucky to be in a position where we can make a positive impact.
“It puts things in perspective – certainly for me, as a parent myself – and it’s a privilege to try and spread some joy, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
“For a lot of families, I can imagine this is a difficult time, but it’s amazing to hear of the support they get from EACH. It’s invaluable, and we’ll always do whatever we can to raise awareness and help spread the word.”
Louise Gower, Service Manager at The Nook, enjoyed watching the players interact with families.
She said: “The club’s visit is always one of the highlights of our year.
“There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation, and it was a joy to step back and watch the players interacting with families. They were faultless, had time for everyone and put lots of smiles on lots of faces.
“On behalf of everyone here, I’d like to thank the club for their support and generous gifts. It was a very memorable afternoon.”
Pictures: Matt Brasnett
