Stoke City stars visit Donna Louise Trust
A group of Stoke City stars visited the Donna Louise Trust's Treetops hospice, in Trentham Lakes, yesterday.
After having a guided tour, they stopped to chat, give autographs and presents, and have pictures with the children before going on to challenge them in the games room.
Among them was midfielder Rory Delap, who is a staunch supporter of the hospice and earlier this year cycled 172 miles to help raise funds for it.
He said: "I think it is good for the players to see the other side of life and the kids have been fantastic.
"It is a place that needs more help and I would everyone to help support it.
"The job they do could be done for a lot more people if they got more help."
The Sentinel reported last week that the charity is having to cut back its respite care because of the credit crunch.
Bentilee youngster Sophi Webb, aged 14, said: "They have been laughing and joking with us and asked how I was."
Melanie Mills, head of fund-raising and PR at the charity, said: "There have been a lot of smiles here, but with a serious message behind it."
The Stoke City players are shown, main picture, with some of the children at Treetops Hospice.
Inset, Tom Soares signs a photo for seven-year-old Eddie Ashcroft and his brother Rory, aged 13.
Pictures: Steve Bould
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