Doncaster Rovers stars and fellow Club Doncaster players put smiles on faces with Doncaster Royal Infirmary Christmas visit

The group of representatives of Club Doncaster teams visited the children’s ward at DRI to meet poorly youngsters, from newborns to teenagers.

Rovers were represented by captain Ben Whiteman plus Reece James and Donervon Daniels. Jason Tali and Kieron Lawton visited on behalf of the Dons while Tori Thomas and Emily Burgin represented the Belles.

They handed out presents, took pictures and chatted with parents, with Whiteman admitting it was a pleasure to help put smiles on faces at a difficult time.

“It’s obviously a special time of the year with Christmas approaching,” Whiteman said.

“It’s always nice to go out and see Doncaster people of all different backgrounds who are going through illness and operations and it’s nice to cheer them up for a bit.

“I’ve done it before. I did it with Sheffield United at Bluebell Wood and I’ve been to Doncaster before.

“It’s always special and nice to hear people’s stories of what they’re going through and try to help even a little bit by lifting their spirits.

“Smiles on faces are the main thing. It’s a nice time of the year but sometimes it’s very difficult for people who are ill or going through operations.

“It’s nice to cheer them up a little bit.”

Hospital school teacher Claire Riley said the annual visit is one of the highlights of the festive period.

“It’s a time of year where it’s so hard for parents and children, being in hospital, so they really do appreciate having the visit,” Riley said.

“It brightens up what can be a really stressful time so we really appreciate it.

“They’ve been coming for some years now and every year it’s lovely to see the children so happy.

“It takes their minds off what is happening and it’s the same with the parents too, even if they’ve got young babies it brightens up their day too.

“We really appreciate everything that Club Doncaster has done over the past few years in coming and visiting us at Christmas.”