In partnership with Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal and as part of #ConversationsWeek at the hospital, Foundation coaches headed to the wards for some soft tennis, boccia, balloon volleyball and gymnastics, as well as a ‘keepy-uppy challenge.’
Bristol Flyers duo, Lewis Champion and Raphell Thomas-Edwards were the star visitors on Thursday, while Bristol Bears’ Ollie Dawe dropped in on Saturday to cap a memorable week for the young patients and their families.
“The whole aim of the project was to put smiles on people’s faces,” said Bristol Sport Foundation head coach, Mike Lawrence.
“We’ve been up to the wards to see as many kids as we could. We wanted to make hospital a little bit less of a daunting experience for them, and a little bit less scary.
“I think throughout the week, that’s what we’ve seen – we’ve put smiles on the faces of patients, parents, grandparents, friends of those that have come down as well, and I’d like to think we’ve taken the edge off coming to hospital as well, that’s all it was about.”
Bristol Flyers’ Lewis Champion added: “Today has been amazing. It’s been a really positive experience for me and Raphell (Thomas-Edwards).
“It’s a little thing we can do, to come down, spend time with the children and get to know them – it’s been amazing.
“It’s the least we can do, coming down to see these guys, chat to them and learn about what they’re going through.“
Not only is it a positive experience for them, it’s a positive experience for us as well.”
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