Footballers brought plenty of festive cheer to Walsall Manor Hospital to brighten Christmas for patients and staff.

Walsall FC players and staff spent time on several areas, including Discharge Lounge, Elderly Care, Children’s Ward, Neonatal Ward and Emergency Department.

They handed out toys, chocolates, chatted with staff and patients, had selfies and signed autographs on the visit, organised by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers, with gifts provided by Walsall Supporters Club.

Patient Leo Osbourne was the first one to be greeted by the team. He was invited back into the hospital by Well Wishers, as he and his family are all Walsall season ticket holders.

The three-year-old has been in and out of the hospital over the past week, having eight or nine seizures a day due to his epilepsy.

His mum, Sophie, said: “Leo would only wear his Walsall football shirt in hospital, so it is a dream come true for him to meet the players and Swifty the mascot.

“When we were asked by the charity team if we wanted to come back to meet the team, we were so thrilled for Leo.

“It has been lovely to see them, and thank you for the presents.”

Three-year-old Grayson Astell from Darlaston, has hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.

His mum Jay Jackson said: “We are really big football fans, and it was great to see the team today. Thank you for the gifts.”

Walsall FC head coach Mat Sadler said: “It’s so important for us to come here at Christmas. We feel blessed and honoured to have this opportunity to spread some cheer.

“An added bonus for us is to see the incredible work that goes on day in, day out.

“It’s a very humbling experience and it’s great to play a small role into hopefully making people’s lives a little easier for a brief period.

“We have used this hospital ourselves and knowing how important this facility is for the local community and touching people’s lives is one of the things that makes this job worthwhile.”

Winger Albert Adomah, a dad of three, spent time with poorly children and said: “It’s nice to see smiles on people’s faces, especially as it’s a hard time of year to be in hospital.

“It’s amazing for us, and we’re blessed to be in this position, to interact with the local community.”

Julie Woods, Ward Manager, actually got married on the Bescot pitch to fellow Saddlers fan Steve in 1999.

She said: “It’s a lovely gesture from the players – it makes Christmas for the patients and it makes the staff happy too and boosts moral at a difficult time.

“I’ve told them they need to stay top of the league this season!”

Sola Alabi, Staff Nurse, was working on her 29th birthday but had a selfie with the players to compensate. She said: “It’s a great way to celebrate my birthday!”

Patient Heather Sutton lives next door to Walsall’s Bescot Stadium ground and is recovering from bowel surgery.

She was being visited by granddaughter Megan Sutton, who used to work in Walsall FC’s club shop.

Heather said: “The players were very friendly and chatty – they were really interested in me and were pleased that I’m going home for Christmas.”

Georgie Westley, Well Wishers’ Fundraising Manager, said: “Thank you so much to the team for coming in. Their annual visit brings joy to staff, patients, families and visitors.”