Cardiff Rugby players and staff have swapped training and tickets for community visits in the build up to Christmas.
The entire first team squad joined staff across the business to raise funds for food banks and charity, while also visiting young patients at Ty Hafan and the three hospitals within the region.
More than 100 meals were donated to Cardiff Foodbank, while pallets of non-perishable items were also delivered to foodbanks in Pontypridd, Trealaw and Tylorstown.
The day culminated with the first team squad visiting children with life limiting conditions at the Sully-based hospice, and those on the children’s wards at Noah’s Ark, University Hospital Wales, Royal Glamorgan and Prince Charles Hospital.
Club captain, Liam Belcher said: “The Christmas visits are always something the players look forward to at this time of year. It is often a humbling experience, particularly for those that visit Ty Hafan, but if we can deliver a bit of light relief or festive cheer to the patients, family and staff then it is worth every minute.
“We’ve had players and staff going all over the region, not just today, but also in the build up with Teddy Williams supporting Marie Curie and the academy lads preparing to feed the homeless.
“They are small gestures but by giving up our time, having some photos and giving out Christmas presents, hopefully we can help give people in some difficult and challenging situations a bit of positivity and something to remember.
“For us it is also inspirational to see the bravery of these children and the immense sacrifice, commitment and professionalism from the families and staff members.
“It was also brilliant this year to raise so much money across the company to donate to four different food banks across the region. We know how difficult times are for people in the community and again, it is our small way of helping.”
Belcher was among a group of 10 players and coaches, who attended Royal Glamorgan in Llantrisant while head coach Matt Sherratt travelled to Ty Hafan.
There he was joined by James Botham, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Aled Davies, forwards coach Corniel van Zyl and CEO Richard Holland.
And while on this occasion, there were only a handful of patients and family members to visit, Sherratt was blown away by the specialist facility and passionate staff.
He said: “It was great to visit Ty Hafan, meet some children, their families and the staff, as well as having a tour of their facilities. It’s an incredible place, which is overwhelmingly funded by donations and brings so much positivity to people dealing with a lot.
“Whether it is the specialist care they provide or just offering families a bit of respite or common ground, it is such an invaluable facility and service.
“If we can help in any small way by meeting the inspirational people there and handing out some presents or raising awareness, we are delighted to do so.”
Sarah Roberts, PR Manager for Tŷ Hafan, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Josh, Aled, Ben, James, Richard, Matt and Corniel to Tŷ Hafan and I know that Cameron was particularly thrilled to discover that he and Josh are both Hendy boys.
“When a child’s life will be short, Tŷ Hafan will walk alongside that family throughout that child’s life, death and beyond and we are super-grateful to everyone at Cardiff Rugby and all their amazing supporters who are helping us to do this.”
To donate or find out more about Ty Hafan please click here.
To donate or find out more about the Noah’s Ark Children’s hospital charity, please click here