Well done Stoke!!
19/12/2007 - Children's heroes play it for laughs
Youngsters battling serious illnesses were thrilled to meet some of Stoke City's star players at the Donna Louise Trust children's hospice.
A group of players visited Treetops, in Trentham Lakes, yesterday to hand out Christmas presents, including Stoke City posters and cuddly toys.
Many of the youngsters were thrilled to enjoy a game of table football or a session on the Playstation with their heroes.
New permanent signing Salif Diao said: "I think it's really nice to be able to come and see all the kids here.
"Bringing the presents and making the kids smile is very important.
"You can't buy a smile so if we can make the kids happy that's brilliant."
Striker Jon Parkin said: "We're lucky to be in the position we are and if we can make one lad's or lass's afternoon then it's worth coming down."
Midfielder Rory Delap said: "The job they do here is unbelievable, it really puts things in perspective for us.
"There's no negativity around here - it's unbelievable how much of a positive atmosphere there is."
Defender Marlon Broomes said: "It's nice to spend time with the kids and put a smile on their faces. A lot of these kids are going through some difficult times but they're just getting on with their lives.
"It makes you realise how lucky you are."
Seven-year-old Kavanagh Hood, from Newchapel, proudly showed off his Stoke City shirt.
The youngster, who suffers from a rare congenital heart defect, visits Treetops every couple of months to give mum Sharon a break.
Sharon, aged 36, said: "Kavanagh's a huge fan so he's having an absolutely wonderful time."
Stoke City season ticket holder Sophi Webb, aged 13, said: "My favourite player is Ricardo Fuller. I've been going round getting everyone's autograph."
Sophi, from Bucknall, has been visiting Treetops after undergoing an operation on a brain tumour.
She added: "I've lost nearly all my sight now but when I come here I forget about my tumour. It's like home."
Proud mum Barbara Alcock, from Sandford Hill, looked on as players signed her son Robert's shirt.
Six-year-old Robert suffers from nemaline rod myopathy and scoliosis and receives regular visits from the trust's community nursing team for respite care.
Barbara, aged 50, said: "Robert's had a lovely time. He's been so excited about seeing the players. When we got the phone call he was absolutely thrilled."
The Donna Louise Trust is one of Stoke City's chosen charities for the season and the club is planning a range of events to raise money for the hospice.
The trust's head of fund-raising, Melanie Mills said: "It's lovely to see the lads down here interacting with the kids. You can see the joy on their faces when they meet their heroes. I'd like to thank everyone at Stoke City for their ongoing support."
Melanie also urged Sentinel readers to make a donation to our Caring At Christmas campaign, which aims to raise money for the trust.
She said: "The Donna Louise Trust is a lifeline to chronically ill children and their families across Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
"With your help we can continue to provide much-needed support and happy memories for more children and families more of the time. So please help us in any way you can to bring joy to sick children. You can make a difference."
