Willis Halaholo and Lloyd Williams got more than they bargained for when they attended Ty Hafan as part of the club’s Christmas visits this week.
The star duo attended the charity’s hospice that provides life-changing care and support to children with life-shortening conditions.
They had planned to watch the Christmas Pantomime, along with defence coach Richard Hodges, before giving out presents to the children.
But all three took part with Hodges playing the part of the Greatest Showman, Halaholo a robot and Williams a Barbie!
Hodges said: “It’s something that goes back to when I was in the academy and we went there for the very first time. It’s an amazing place where the staff are always so positive and vibrant and there’s obviously a lot of children there who are under their care.
“When it gets to this time of year, the players and coaches always look forward to going down there to help out. If we can get down there and put a smile on some faces and spread some festive cheer, it’s something we all thoroughly look forward to.
“We thought we were going to watch their Panto before giving out some small gifts but the staff were straight into Lloydy, Willis and myself to join in. You have a sharp intake of breath, leave your dignity at the door and you’re in for a penny, in for a pound.
“The smiles on the kids’ faces, and the families were very appreciative of it, but the standout was the positivity of the staff. They were intent on putting smiles on faces and making the experience at Ty Hafan as positive as they can.
“We were there for about two hours but it felt like 10 minutes. The place had such a great Christmas feel to it and the staff were the reason for that. It’s tough for some families and tough for some kids down there but hopefully we put some smiles on their faces.
“We’re in the rough and tumble week in, week out and you worry about small bits of detail but when you go to Ty Hafan you see the big picture in life. There’s amazing kids, amazing families and amazing staff.
“Quite simply you won’t find a more inspiring place than Ty Hafan. You get lost for words when you see the work that goes on behind the scenes, some of the stories and what some families have to deal with, that just gets magnified at Christmas. There are many worthy charities and Ty Hafan is right up there.
“I left there with a huge amount of respect for the staff and the way they go about their daily work because it can’t be easy for them either. It’s an awe inspiring place and something we all enjoy supporting.”
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