Ospreys, Morganstone and special guest Santa spread Xmas Cheer to children’s wards

We were delighted to team up with Ospreys players to spread some Christmas cheer to youngsters when we visited Morriston Hospital children’s wards  – along with Santa –  to hand out gifts.

Our team downed tools and the Ospreys took a break from their training routine to drop into the Swansea hospital to share some festive spirit.Players including Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Davies, Keelan Giles, Scott Otten, Gareth Thomas, Olly Cracknell, Hugh Gustafson, Paul James and others took time to talk with the children, pose for photographs and give away signed posters alongside Morganstone Project Manager Chris Weaver who invited his longstanding friend Santa along to hand out goody bags to the children.

Chris said: “It was lovely to be able to bring Father Christmas along to visit the children’s wards and meet some of the youngsters throughout the region who unfortunately have to spend time in hospital over the Christmas period.

“I know they were very excited to meet the Ospreys and it was a pleasure to see their faces light up on the day. I’m pleased Morganstone was able to be part of this lovely event again this year.”

Ospreys player, Paul James, said: “It is never easy to see little ones ill, especially at this time of year. But hopefully we managed to cheer them up and, with any luck, the children will make a speedy recovery and be home in time for Christmas Day.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the hospital staff who gave us a warm welcome. The hospital visits have become an annual tradition for us and the team looks forward to it every year.

We’re all hugely proud to be at the heart of the community and initiatives like this show how seriously the players take this responsibility.”

Eirlys Thomas, Head of Nursing for Women and Child Health at Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU) said: “We’re grateful to Morganstone and the Ospreys for taking time out to visit children in our wards. The youngsters – and some of the staff –  were so excited by the visit and it really brightened their time in hospital.”