Families staying at the Children’s Hospice at Charlton Farm got an early Christmas surprise as members of the Bristol Rovers team dropped in for a visit.
First-team players Scott Sinclair, James Wilson, Luke McCormick, Jamie Lindsay, Chris Martin and Grant Ward visited the children and families at the hospice to deliver presents, pose for photographs, take a tour of the facility and make special memories this Christmas.
The team delivered a snow machine - paid for by the Bristol Rovers first-team squad and coaching staff - to add even more festive cheer and help make the Christmas period even more unforgettable.
Operation Community Hamper, who help vulnerable individuals and families across the year, also kindly donated hampers to the families and staff at the hospice, which the players delivered personally.
The players played games, told stories and even took part in an impromptu gig with the children amidst the beautiful backdrop of the North Somerset countryside.
Charlton Farm aims to help and support families who face the emotional and physical strain of caring for children who, sadly, are not expected to live into adulthood. However, this does not make Charlton Farm a sad place. Rather, it is a place of love and happiness, where challenges are faced together.
Club captain Sinclair found the visit a humbling and emotive experience.
“It’s been amazing to come down to Charlton Farm and meet the children staying here,” he said. “We walked in with an understanding of the challenges these families are facing, and it was so inspiring to immediately feel the joy and love that they are surrounded with.
“It is visits like this, particularly at this time of year, that matter so much. Coming to Charlton Farm and places like this remind us about what is truly important in life and we were honoured to be invited down. The lads and I have enjoyed every moment of being here and we’re looking forward to our next chance to come and have a visit.”
