*BS*DOVER ATHLETIC MAKE IT A WHITES CHRISTMAS WITH HOSPITAL VISIT*BF*

First team players and staff paid a visit to the Padua Ward at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford on Tuesday December 1st, to bring some Christmas cheer amongst their young patients.

The side, led by club captain Jamie Grimes, clubbed together to purchase presents for the youngsters, some of whom may be spending the festive period within the ward. They also took time to speak to them about their own interests, and posed for photographs with the patients and their families.

The visit ensured the squad was able to spread some early Christmas cheer to so many children in the ward, and Grimes spoke of the importance of the visit: “It was good for the club to get out into the community and give something back. It was great to see the smiles on the children’s faces at seeing us and the presents – we wish all of the children we met a quick and full recovery, and a very Merry Christmas.”

Lorraine Cassar, Play Specialist at the Padua Ward, expressed her gratitude to the club for their visit: “It was great having Dover Athletic Football Club visit the children and parents on Padua Ward. I would like to say how professional they all were – they had a real interest in the children and took time to talk to them and their parents.

“It was great to see the smiles when the players handed out the presents that they had bought for the children. The staff on A&E were also very grateful for the players taking the time to visit the Paedicatric Department.”