City stars' visit helps lift Blues; PRESENTS: Premiership trio give gifts to poorly kids at two hospitals.Byline: By Emma Cullwick CHIEF REPORTER CHRISTMAS came early for poorly children at two Birmingham hospitals when their Blues heroes delivered a bumper package of festive cheer. Youngsters on six wards at Birmingham Children's Hospital Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust manage the central Birmingham hospital now also known as The Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital, which provides general and emergency health care services to children in Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. and the entire children's section at Heartlands Hospital in Bordesley Green Bordesley Green is an inner-city area of Birmingham, England about two miles south-east from the city centre. It is also a ward in the formal district of Hodge Hill. Neighbouring areas include, Alum Rock, Saltley, Small Heath and Yardley. were visited by members of the Premiership squad. Gary McSheffrey Gary McSheffrey, (born August 13, 1982 in Coventry, England), is an English football player, currently playing for Birmingham City in the English Premiership. McSheffrey started his career for his home town club Coventry City, where he won England U-21s honours. , Radhi Jaidi and Mehdi Nafti Mehdi Nafti (Arabic: مهدي نافطي) (born November 28, 1978 in Toulouse) is a French-born Tunisian football player. took time out from training to deliver presents to the children, which the players paid for out of their own cash. A spokesman for the club said: "The squad not only paid for the presents themselves but they also chose the toys and signed some Blues goodies for the children. "The team has been visiting Birmingham Children's Hospital every year for more than five years and they absolutely love it. It's a real privilege for them to be able to bring some presents and to put a smile on the children's faces." This year was the first the stars have been to Heartlands Hospital. "They also like to meet all the doctors and nurses because they do such a great job," said the spokesman. A spokeswoman for Birmingham Children's Hospital said she was thrilled that the Blues stars had pledged their support. "This is something that will stay with the children for a long while to come," she added. "Many of the children were starstruck star·struck or star-struck adj. Fascinated by or exhibiting a fascination with fame or famous people: "The star-struck tone of the text suggests that the author is giving us an exclusive peek into the secret lives of . When we told them the players would be coming they were stunned. This has not only made their day - it has made their year. "Some of the children will be spending Christmas in hospital and these visits help to lift their spirits." CAPTION(S): FESTIVE CHEER... (from left) Mehdi Nafti gives a gift to 7-month-old Dylan Jennings, with dad Leigh and mum Natalie Prime; Radhi Jaidi gets prepared to enter the isolation ward with play specialist Chris Morrell; and Radhi signs a shirt for Scott Chamberlain. Pictures: Jason Skarratt; ON THE BALL... Gary McSheffrey with Isobel Taylor, aged 11. Photosales No: JS181207blus-2; Photosales No: JS181207blus-9; Photosales No: JS181207blus-1; Photosales No: JS181207blus-4 & 11 |
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