Exeter City stars visit Bramble Ward

Christmas came early for the children and teenagers on Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital when they received a special visit from the stars of Exeter City Football Club.

With the help of Build-a-Bear, the players from the club gave out dozens of bears, signed merchandise and other presents to the young patients to help bring some Christmas cheer to the ward. The players who visited were Scot Bennett, Pat Baldwin, Matt Oakley, Matt Grimes, David Noble, Ryan Harley, Clinton Morrison and Christy Pym.

The players, who were all dressed in Santa suits, chatted with the children and their families about their time on Bramble and their plans for Christmas.  Grecian the Lion and Bearemy from Build-a-Bear also were also on a hand to entertain patients and staff.

Exeter City defender Pat Baldwin said: “We were really pleased to have the opportunity to come to Bramble Ward once again this Christmas and I hope that we helped to brighten the day of some children and their families here in Exeter.

“It is always our privilege to be able to visit members of our community, and it is a humbling experience to see children and families in hospital during a difficult time.  A lot of us in the Exeter City team are dads as well which perhaps made it hit home even more.
“I hope that if we have brought a smile to the faces of a few children this Christmas, then it makes the event worthwhile.”

Bramble Play Specialist Cara Bennett added: “We’d like to thank the players for taking the time to visit Bramble again this Christmas. Being in hospital at this time of the year can be difficult for children and their families so today has been absolutely fantastic for them and was greatly enjoyed by us all.”