Spireites spread festive cheer
Chesterfield FC Community Trust recently arranged for Spireites players and management staff to visit Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, spreading some festive cheer.
Manager Martin Allen confessed afterwards to having experienced mixed emotions, praising the positivity of those at the hospice facing terminal illness.
He said: “Some of them may not make Christmas, but they’re happy and enjoying themselves and they made us so welcome. I think we can all learn from people who are so happy, with their bright outlook on life.”
The players and management chatted to patients and staff at Ashgate and a buffet lunch was laid on, which was paid for by the players.
To add to the festive mood, a few Christmas carols were sung. “We had a sing-off against the staff and patients,” said Martin. “I was the judge and we beat them so it was great to get another win under our belts.”
Sue Whitfield, who attends the Day Hospice, thanked the club for the visit. She said: “It was such a wonderful surprise to meet everyone. They were all so friendly and it was really fantastic to have them over.
“It was really lovely to know that we’re thought about – especially at this time of year – and supported as well.”
The next stop was Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where the Spireites party handed out presents to children on the wards and posed for photos with patients and their families.”
Martin said: “It was good to walk along the corridors, meet people of all ages and see the happiness it brings to the children and families.”
“It is such an honour and a privilege to do it and bring some happiness into people’s lives. This again reinforces the responsibilities we’ve all got with our community to try and build our club and bring happiness to the town.”
Photos by: Tina Jenner
