Tangerine stars spread festive cheer at hospital

Dundee United players drop by with presents for youngsters of all ages

Youngsters at Tayside Children’s Hospital were given a festive boost yesterday when Dundee United players visited to hand out presents.

Stars including club captain Willo Flood, striker Scott McDonald and midfielder Fraser Fyvie were on hand to chat to the children, sign autographs and pose for photographs at the Ninewells unit.

Almost £1,000-worth of gifts were donated after the players collected funds themselves to pool together with the club’s donation.

Suzie Byer, senior charge nurse at the paediatric unit, said the youngsters always looked forward to the annual visit.

She said: “The presents they have brought are just brilliant and they’ve got ones for every age.

“It really does give the kids a big boost when they arrive and creates a good festive atmosphere.

“As soon as the date is announced, the kids are hoping they are in hospital that day.

“It doesn’t matter what team you support, it’s exciting for everyone.”

Barry Roper, who was taking his eight-year-old son Lewis in for a check-up, said the arrival of the players was a complete shock.

He said: “We didn’t know anything about it until they all came in.

“Lewis is a big fan. We try and go to the games whenever we can. “It’s been a great surprise.” Nine-year-old Toni Lorimer, a school pupil at St Francis, said it was “very cool” to meet her idols. She said: “I am a big fan of Dundee United so it’s very cool. The players gave me an electric scooter.”

Club captain Willo Flood said: “We always look forward to visiting Ninewells at this time of year to spread a little festive cheer and meet some of the patients.

“It’s a small act for us to spend some time to bring some joy, especially to children who cannot be home for Christmas. It’s also fantastic to meet some of the staff who do an amazing job all year round.”

The club is also set to host a foodbank collection two days ahead of Christmas at its match against Livingston on Saturday December 23.

The campaign has already attracted massive support and is carried by both clubs and their respective community trusts, as well as by ArabTRUST, ULT, Taught by Muhammad and Dundee Foodbank.

It’s a small act for us to spend some time to bring some joy. WILLO FLOOD

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Dundee United team members with, left Callum Crawford, top, seven-week-old Harry Swankie, above, Toni Lorimer and below, with other youngsters at Ninewells.