Exeter City FC players bring Christmas cheer to young patients at Royal Devon Hospital

Exeter City Football Club players and staff brought some early Christmas spirit to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital this week, making their annual visit to Bramble Ward to meet young patients and hand out gifts.

Players from both the men’s and women’s teams, joined by managers Gary Caldwell and Abbie Britton, spent time talking with families, chatting with staff and delivering toys to children spending the festive period in hospital. 

Among those visiting were Ilmari Niskanen, Ed Francis, Sophie Gillies and Bow Jackson.

One young patient, 17-year-old Exeter City supporter Elliot Berriman-Green, even enjoyed a brief kick-about outside the ward with the players.

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This year’s gifts were funded through donations from players, supporters’ groups and local organisations, including the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, Supporters’ Club, Senior Reds, Cans4City, Grecian Goal, Nevada Construction and Smyths Toys. 

The delivery to the RD&E was supported by Tracks Suzuki.

In addition to toys for the ward, the club has contributed £800 towards fitting out a planned sensory room on Bramble Ward, which staff say will provide an important calming space for children of different ages.

Gary said the visit was “humbling” for the club and an important reminder of the difference community support can make. 

Abbie Britton, manager of Exeter City Women, said the club’s role in the community made these moments particularly significant for families spending Christmas in hospital.

Mimi, a play specialist on Bramble Ward, said staff were grateful for the visit, which boosts morale for parents, patients and staff during a busy and emotional time of year. 

She added that donations of toys and resources “make a huge difference” to children coming into hospital.

The hospital visit formed part of a wider day of community activity for the club, which also included a seniors’ Christmas lunch and a public calendar-signing session with players from both teams.