Man Utd players kick off Christmas with festive visit

Manchester United goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Senne Lammens spread some Christmas joy on a visit to Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The Manchester United first-team players visited seriously ill young people and their families at the hospice in Didsbury, handing out an array of United-themed presents, including scarves, hats and calendars.

Heaton and Lammens met with a group of children, their parents and siblings in the home from home surroundings of the family lounge at Francis House and heard how the hospice supports them with respite care and a range of palliative care services.

Among the families meeting the players was Bertille Chuipa, mum of Anderson who received a catastrophic brain injury seven years ago aged 13 years whilst go karting. Anderson has been receiving regular respite at Francis House for the last five years.

Bertille said: “For the players to find the time to come and see people like Anderson I think that is really important. Having met them today, it’s a nice kick off for the Christmas period.”

Hollie Self, mum to Phoebe 9, and her sister Mia 10, said: “The fact that the players can give up their time this close to Christmas is just amazing.”

Senne enjoyed spending time with fans at Francis House. He said: “We are grateful for what we do and the life we have and it’s really nice to see all the happy faces. It’s nice to give back to them as well because we also have a lot of support from them. It’s been an honour to be here.”

The players then moved onto Francis Lodge, the teenage and young adult wing at the hospice, where they were greeted by more than a dozen young people and hospice staff.

Josh, who receives respite care at Francis House, said: “It was a privilege to meet Senne and Tom. I’ve watched Manchester United from being a little boy so it means a lot. It feels like an early Christmas present at this time of year. They gave us a bag with some gifts in and I’m looking forward to opening it!”

The visit organised annually by the Manchester United Foundation is enjoyed by families and hospice staff alike.

Sharon Doodson, director of care at Francis House, thanked the Club for the visit .

She said: “It’s always such a joy when United come to visit. Seeing our children, young people and families light up with smiles and laughter, sharing their love of football with people they admire, is truly magical. Moments like these fill the hospice with warmth and leave memories that stay with them long after the day has ended.”

Francis House supports more than 435 families from across Greater Manchester. The hospice services are all given completely free of charge and include respite care, homecare, sibling support, end of life care, emotional and bereavement support.

The hospice needs to raise £15,900 a day in donations to continue to provide long-term support to the children, young people and their families.