Celtic players will spread festive cheer to patients at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity after the club made a £10,000 donation.
Players including captain Scott Brown will carry out a host of Zoom calls with numerous kids across the hospital wards next week.
Through its charitable arm Celtic FC Foundation, the club has donated £10,000 to fund Christmas gifts for children living with long-term health conditions and provide support for some parents and carers.
Brown said: "As a team, myself and the rest of the players are delighted to once again continue our connection to the hospital and charity. As a father who has needed crucial support for my child, I am very well aware of the phenomenal work carried out at our children’s hospitals across the country. I will always be so grateful for the wonderful care my family received.
"We realise this can be a very difficult time for children and their families who are in hospital at this time of year, even more so, given the difficulties which the pandemic has presented. While, of course, we would much rather see the kids in person, we really look forward to speaking to them and hope that in some way our visit can lift their spirits ahead of Christmas.
“This will also give us a chance to thank the staff at the hospital for all they do. They make such a positive difference to the children and they deserve huge praise for their fantastic work throughout the year.
"We wish all the children at the hospital and of course, the wonderful staff, a very Merry Christmas."
Chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "We are very privileged to have had such a close relationship with Glasgow Children’s Hospital over many years, and over this period have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to the magnificent work carried out.
"We know this can be a very difficult time of year for so many people using the hospital and we send all our best wishes to all the children and their families this Christmas.
"We know the staff work so hard to provide great care for so many children, and we thank them too for all they do across the year in supporting children who are in need, particularly during this unique time we have all been living through.
"Our Christmas Appeal again will ultimately have a huge impact across a wide spectrum of families and fantastic community groups and will make such a positive difference to the lives of thousands of people, once again honouring the great charitable ambitions of the club’s founders.
“Celtic Football Club is totally committed to helping people in real need and at a difficult time of the year for so many, we hope our work, through this year’s Appeal, can bring some cheer to those who really need our support."
