Bolton Wanderers captain Antoni Sarcevic and leading goalscorer Eoin Doyle brought some festive cheer to three local venues last week when they handed out Christmas gifts donated by the club’s players.
The duo visited Royal Bolton Hospital, Derian House Children’s Hospice and Bolton Hospice on Friday to meet staff members and drop off some gifts for the patients.
Due to the pandemic and the restrictions, it was decided by all concerned that the usual squad visits wouldn’t take place this year.
However, that didn’t deter the Wanderers squad who wanted to show their appreciation to the staff and volunteers as well as bring a smile to the faces of the patients.
Due to the restrictions in place, Antoni and Eoin didn’t go inside each building but instead dropped off presents with staff members outside.
Antoni said: “It’s been a tough and challenging year for everybody and with Christmas fast approaching we wanted to bring some Christmas cheer and to show our appreciation to the staff at Royal Bolton Hospital, Derian House and Bolton Hospice.
“I know that in the past the squad have visited each place and spoken to some of the patients and staff.
“Although the pandemic has changed lots of things, we still wanted to show the patients and staff how much they mean to us and the club.”
Eoin added: “The staff at the hospital, Bolton Hospice and Derian House do a tremendous job all year round, but have faced even more challenges because of the pandemic.
“What they do is inspiring and we wanted to bring them and the patients some Christmas cheer.
“We hope they all have a safe and Merry Christmas and we look forward to visiting them as a group when it’s safe to do so.”
Alice Atkinson from Bolton Hospice said: “The support of our local community has truly pulled us through the challenges of 2020, so we were delighted when Antoni and Eoin popped by to give us their best wishes for Christmas.
“The video messages and gifts for our patients and staff from the players have lifted our spirits at the end of a tough year - we are so touched to know we have their support and we are hopeful for a brighter 2021 for us all.”
Everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club would like to wish all our supporters from around the world a safe and a very Merry Christmas.