Players from Glentoran’s Men’s and Women’s Football Teams swapped the turf of The Oval for the Paediatric Unit at the Ulster Hospital as players delivered gifts and brought festive cheer to young patients who are spending time on the ward.
Glen’s Club Captain, Marcus Kane, last season’s top goalscorer Jordan Jenkins and fan favourite Jordan Stewart along with Women’s Premiership Champions, Chloe McCarron, Faye Loughran and Manager Kim Turner took time to meet with young patients and their families, as they handed out gifts to help lift spirits as Christmas fast approaches.
Club Captain Marcus Kane described the visit as a, “Privilege.” “Playing for Glentoran gives us a platform to do good and days like this remind you how important that is. The positivity shown by the young people we met was inspiring and we were delighted to bring even a small bit of joy to them during what can be a difficult time,” said Marcus.
“As a Father, I know how helpless you can feel when your children are unwell and you would do anything to make them feel better. I hope our visit has helped in some small way. Glentoran is a massive part of this community and it is important we take the time to give something back.”
In between the excitement on the ward, Ulster Hospital Paediatric Nurse Emma Morrison said, “It is brilliant to see the Team here with us and see a smile on the children’s faces. The Team have brought a lot of toys, art sets and mini craft kits for the children and it is great for them to come and spread some holiday cheer for those families who are going through one of the hardest times.”
Emma continued, “A lot of young patients are big fans of the Team and it was very much a case of big smiles all around on the ward.”
Glentoran Women’s First Team Manager, Kim Turner added, “Visits like this really put things into perspective. Football is important, of course, but when you meet young people and families going through tough moments, it reminds you of what truly matters. The spirit shown by the children in the Ulster Hospital was incredible and it was a privilege for our players to spend time with them.
“As a Club, we talk a lot about community, but it is days like this where you actually see the impact you can make just by showing up, listening and sharing a smile. I hope our visit brought a bit of light to the children and their families and we wish every one of them a healthy and happy Christmas.”