England Rugby Sevens squad pay a special visit to patients before Christmas
21 December 2016
The England Sevens squad paid a visit to West Middlesex University Hospital this week to visit patients ahead of Christmas.
The England Sevens squad paid a visit to West Middlesex University Hospital this week to visit patients ahead of Christmas.
The squad, who had only returned last week from Cape Town having won the competition, delivered gifts to children and the elderly during a visit to the hospital's wards.
"At this time of the year it's important to give back, especially to those who are spending the Christmas period in hospital," said James Rodwell.
After walking round the wards the players sang a Christmas song for patients, family and staff.
"We've been handing out a few presents and spreading the Christmas cheer as much as we can," said Dan Bibby.
The team will return to training on Wednesday, 28 December to prepare for the next leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Wellington in January.
"We've got a few days off and then we are back into testing on 28 December but I'm sure we will sneak in a bit of turkey and some mince pies before then," added Rodwell.
Chief Executive Lesley Watts, who helped show the squad around the hospital, said “We really appreciate the England Sevens taking time out of their busy training schedule to come and visit us. It was lovely to see how much excitement they brought to the patients here as well as staff, many of whom will be working over Christmas.”