Martin Allen and the first team meet the Children at the Medway Maritime Hospital
All members of the Gillingham First Team Squad along with Manager Martin Allen and his coaching staff visited the Medway Maritime Hospital on Monday to wish a Merry Christmas to all of the children on Dolphin Ward.The players signed autographs, handed out presents, posed for photos and enjoyed meeting the children and their parents and spreading a bit of festive cheer.
The children, who ranged in age from new born babies to early teens, enjoyed chatting with their favourite Gills players and were each presented with a selection of GFC goodies.
The session concluded with a group photo and some words from skipper Adam Barrett who said: “Everyone at Gillingham Football Club would like to say thank you to everyone that we met today at the Medway Maritime Hospital and wish all the children, parents and staff a very, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
“We know it’s a tough time of year, especially being in hospital, and we hope you all get better soon.”
Ann McKinnon who co-ordinated the visit on behalf of the staff at Dolphin Ward, added: “They were really looking forward to seeing everybody as some of them are very poorly and it’s great for the parents too.
“Some of them have been here a few nights, some of them unsettled, and it’s a difficult time. We appreciate them coming in to spend some time with the kids – it hasn’t just given the kids a lift, it’s the parents and staff too. Thank you to everybody.”
William Ellender meets the Gills players
Mikey Stapleton with his GFC Meerkat
Matt and Joe with Bryan Adams