Leicester City Stars In Festive Hospital Visit

- The squad took time out from their festive training schedule to speak to supporters young and old inside the city’s hospitals 

- Alan Birchenall and Filbert Fox were also on hand to help hand out presents 

Three hospitals around Leicestershire were given a festive treat this week as Leicester City stars turned out in force to spread some Christmas joy. 

Patients at the Leicester City Infirmary, Glenfield Hospital and Leicester General were all given some early Christmas presents as City’s first team stars took time out of their schedules to lift some spirits. 

All three hospitals were abuzz with talk of the table-topping Foxes and their visit, which saw the players engage with supporters of all ages – ranging from toddlers to centurions. 

The annual visit is a long-lived tradition for many football clubs and as well as donating their time, the players also put their hands into their own pockets to provide a number of gifts for the patients – many of whom will remain there over Christmas. 

The team were joined by Filbert Fox and Alan Birchenall as they handed out DVD players, DVDs, cuddly toys, calendars and a host of other Leicester City gifts to the grateful patients, as well as posing for dozens of selfies with their supporters. 

Speaking at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Jamie Vardy said: “It’s good to come and do this because a lot of the kids in here won’t be at home for Christmas, so it’s nice to show up, show them that we’re here for them and to give them gifts. 

“The lads have put money towards them themselves and obviously we’re giving it to the wards so the kids can do stuff over Christmas. You see the kids’ faces in here today and they’re just full of smiles as soon as they’ve seen you. 

“It’s unreal. It shows that football as a sport touches everyone, adults or kids. Like we’ve said it’s good that we do give back.” 

Ritchie De Laet added: “It’s especially hard for them because some won’t be at home to spend Christmas with their families. The hospital visit is a day that’s always very important to our players because we know we have a chance to put a smile back on the kids’ faces." 

Riyad Mahrez was equally enthusiastic about spreading some festive cheer to City fans. 

After putting a smile back on a few faces by handing out some presents, he said: “It’s magic, it’s wonderful. When our fans are very happy that makes me happy as well, so I’m very pleased to be here and I’m very proud. 

“It’s very important for us and for the fans as well, because they can’t watch the game here, so I’m very happy to come to speak with them, it’s a great feeling. 

“Everyone watches football so it’s very important for them to see the players and it’s very pleasing to see them so happy.”