Pep Guardiola joined Manchester City Club captains Vincent Kompany and Steph Houghton as they spread some Christmas cheer during a visit to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Every young person in the hospital was hand delivered a gift as teams of City squad players split up into small groups with hundreds of presents to make their way around.
Five young fans were selected by the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity to enjoy an extra treat as they took part in a City themed foosball tournament with Guardiola, Kompany and Houghton.
Commenting on the visit, Kompany said: “This is my ninth visit to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and every year I’m blown away by the spirit and bravery of all the young people we meet. It’s a difficult time of year to be spending in hospital, but the staff and volunteers do an amazing job and hopefully the children have all enjoyed today.”
Houghton added: “Today I have been so inspired by the strength of the children I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. To be able to give something back to our local community and support the great work of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is a real honour for everyone connected with the club.”
Ahead of the visit, the players committed to fund two pieces of specialist equipment as part of the hospital’s One Big Wish Christmas Appeal.
The money will go towards a 3D pain distractor unit and upper limb exerciser which will help thousands of children and young people in the North West to receive specialist healthcare treatment each year.
Sarah Naismith, Head of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity commented: “We cannot thank Pep and the players enough for taking the time to meet our patients over the festive period.
“Visits like this really do help to lift spirits and it is wonderful to see so many smiles in the hospital.
“The Club always goes the extra mile to ensure our patients have the best experience possible and the support we’ve received over the years from Manchester City has really helped us to make a difference to the patients treated at our Children’s Hospital.”