Five Watford FC players brought some festive cheer to young patients at Watford General Hospital when they made a surprise visit to Starfish Children’s Ward.

Goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, defenders Mattie Pollock and Ryan Andrews and midfielder Moussa Sissoko were joined by Watford Women’s midfielder Anna Filbey for Wednesday’s visit where they handed out gifts, met NHS staff, and brightened the day for children and families.

Daniel is ambassador for West Herts Hospitals Charity, who arranged for the goalkeeper and his clubmates to spread some seasonal joy for patients in hospital this Christmas.

The Hornets stars handed out gifts to patients (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

The charity launched their Christmas Smiles gift appeal to help bring some festive cheer by providing gifts for patients and hardworking NHS ward teams working over Christmas.

Daniel said: “The Christmas Smiles Gift Appeal is a fantastic way to bring some festive cheer to patients who can’t be home for Christmas and to show our appreciation for our brilliant NHS staff who work tirelessly, even over the Christmas holidays.

The Watford stars visited Starfish Ward (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

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“It was great to meet the young patients on the Starfish Ward, hand out gifts, and help spread some Christmas magic with gifts for the young patients. If you are able to, please donate to the Christmas Smiles appeal and help make this Christmas a little brighter for those in hospital this Christmas.”

For more information about the Christmas Smiles appeal, and make a donation, visit https://raisewestherts.org.uk/christmas-smiles/.

To dedicate a donation and thank NHS staff, visit https://westherts.celebrationpage.org/2024.

Moussa Sissoko surprises one young boy (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

Alison Rosen, CEO at West Herts Hospitals Charity, said: "We are so grateful to Daniel and the Watford FC players for taking the time to visit Watford General Hospital and spread some much-needed festive cheer.

The players with ward staff and West Herts Hospitals Charity CEO Alison Rosen, left (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

“Their kindness and generosity in bringing gifts for our young patients on the Starfish Children’s Ward made a huge difference, brightening their day and creating special moments during what can be a difficult time for families.

Ryan Andrews meets a young patient (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

“Having Daniel as our ambassador is wonderful, and we deeply appreciate the continued support from Watford FC in helping us bring smiles to patients and celebrate the incredible work of our NHS staff.”

Ryan Andrews and Mattie Pollock add their autographs to a wall (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

The players share a joke with Starfish Ward staff (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)