FOOTBALLERS visiting sick children at Christmas might have become a bit of a cliche, but there is no getting away from the big impact it has on the youngsters ­— and the players as well.

Yesterday, Bolton Wanderers’ first team visited the children’s ward at the Royal Bolton Hospital, as well as youngsters at Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Many children will never have the opportunity to meet their heroes face to face, let alone receive presents from them, and it is great to see the smiles on their faces.

Many of the youngsters have serious conditions and visits such as this really help lift their spirits.

Wanderers captain David Wheater has now made the annual visit eight times and said it is still a privilege to help make poorly youngsters happy at this special time of year, when many of them face the prospect of spending Christmas in hospital or the hospice.

The visit to the hospice is even more emotional for players, youngsters and their families alike, and is something the Wanderers stars said they will never forget. Christmas is a time of giving and it is easy to get caught up in the materialistic side of things with friends and family.

But, seeing the children in hospital beds, it is difficult not to be moved by what they are going through.

It is a comfort to know that visits such as this help them forget their illness for a while and enjoy a special moment with the stars.