Blackburn Rovers’ stars have visited the children’s ward at the Royal Blackburn Hospital ahead of Christmas to put smiles on youngsters' faces.
 
Sammie Szmodics, Sam Gallagher, Joe Rankin-Costello, Harry Pickering, Aynsley Pears, Callum Brittain and Niall Ennis were on hand to deliver some welcome Christmas cheer to patients and staff on their annual visit to the hospital, armed with sacks full of festive Rovers goodies. 
 
The players posed for pictures, signed autographs and chatted to the children, parents and hospital staff, before handing out plenty of presents, including cuddly toys and calendars, to the poorly youngsters.
 
It was the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic that the club were able to step foot onto the ward.

Lancashire Telegraph:
 
Niall Ennis, who started Rovers’ 2-1 victory over Bristol City in midweek, said: “It’s an honour to come here, because it really puts life into perspective.
 
“Everyone has down days, but when you come to the hospital and see what people are going through, it really does put life into perspective.
 
“It’s good to put smiles on faces. It’s not all happiness when you’re in a hospital, so if you can smile for a few minutes, that’s all you need. I’m happy I could help others feel happier today.
 
“Some of the rooms we went in the cases weren’t too severe, but I hope they can all get their health back as soon as possible and hopefully they’ll be out before Christmas.”