TWO Wanderers players visited the children’s ward at Bolton Hospital yesterday to support national, Play in Hospital Week.

Antonee Robinson and Adam le Fondre presented the ward with a new framed football shirt, a bag of gifts donated by Smyths toy store on Middlebrook Retail Park, and signed autographs for the children in the hospital.

Adam, who has three young daughters said: “These community events are brilliant. As a footballer I think it is our duty to do this and give back to the community.

“People see the glitz side of football but it’s nice these people get to see the grass roots.”

Team-mate, Antonee said: “The club has a really good relationship with the hospital and I am more than happy to be a part of these events. The hospital does great things for these children and we don’t realise what they go though. It’s really rewarding to be able to represent the team and support our local community.”

National Play in Hospital Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children across the UK and this year’s theme was Super-heroes and princesses.

Hazel Ross, the hospital play worker said: “Today is a celebration of playing in hospitals. Bolton Wanderers have been visiting our ward for many years and it really lightens up the day and lifts the moral in the ward.”

12-year-old patient, George Tolmie is a Bolton Wanderers super-fan and used to go every weekend with his grandfather. He said: “I have been here since Thursday and I don’t know when I will get to go home. Meeting the Bolton players has made my day.”

His Father, Mark, praised the ward. He said: “These kids are in here 24 hours a day and it is really demanding for them, but the ladies here are fantastic. They give them so much to do, keep them entertained and really encourage them.”