Cardiff Rugby first team stars have been out and about across the region this week visiting children in hospitals as part of the club’s annual Christmas visits.
The first team squad took time out of their preparations to face Bath to deliver some festive cheer to children, family and staff on the wards of Noah’s Ark (University Hospital of Wales), Royal Glamorgan and Prince Charles Hospital, as well as Ty Hafan hospice.
Children in the hospitals, and their families, were treated to various gifts and the opportunity to mingle with their Cardiff Rugby heroes.
Owen Lane, who attended Noah’s Ark in Cardiff, said: “Our Christmas visits are always a highlight of the squad’s festive season and something we really enjoy doing.
“It’s obviously a time of the year where most of us can enjoy festivities with family and friends but not everyone is so fortunate. Some of the children we visited will be in hospital throughout Christmas, so if we can offer a brief bit of escapism and put smiles on faces, whether that is for the patient, their family or the brilliant NHS staff, then it is more than worthwhile.
“We had lots of gifts thanks to the likes of Macron and Gilbert, signed posters and posed for photos and it was amazing to see the reaction for what is quite a small gesture. It’s also always quite a grounding experience for us to see what other families are going through, and the fight and resilience they display every single day.
“It really does put things into perspective when we are going through tough times on the pitch or with injuries. These families in hospital and the amazing staff really are an inspiration to us all.”
Alison Oliver, Clinical Service Lead for the Children's Hospital for Wales, added: “Thank you to the Cardiff Rugby team who made time for a visit to the Children's Hospital for Wales this year.
The team visited four of the wards and lifted the spirits of both children and their parents chatting about Christmas their interests and providing them with gifts from the team.
We are very grateful that they take this time out of their busy schedule to make a difference to the families at this time of year.”
James Botham, Josh Turnbull and Corey Domachowski all attended Ty Hafan, a hospice in Sully, in the Vale of Glamorgan, where children with a life-shortening condition are supported with the compassion and specialist care they and their family need.
Visits to Ty Hafan, in particular, are often difficult and eye-opening visits but also serve as an uplifting and inspirational experience given the joy and positivity that fills the communal areas.
Domachowski added: “Myself, Josh Turnbull and Jim Botham came down to Ty Hafan, they gave us a tour and it’s an amazing place. All of the staff are brilliant with the kids and are making a big difference to their life.
Having my own family and kids now, it really pulls on your heartstrings but as you could see, the little one (Alana) has made my day, she’s full of smiles and everyone was brilliant.”