Foundation helps fund Chiefs' Christmas gifts for hospital patients

Exeter Chiefs players rang in the festive period bringing Christmas cheer to the patients and staff at the local hospital.

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation, players and their families funded the gifts bought for the annual visit to the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bramble Ward.

This year’s visit was organised by prop Will Goodrick-Clarke and winger Paul Brown-Bampoe.

Goodrick-Clarke said: “The opportunity to visit the Bramble Ward and try to put smiles on faces is always one that we thoroughly enjoy. Our whole Chiefs squad jumps at the chance to contribute presents and wish all the children, nurses and families a merry Christmas.

“A lot of our squad have kids of their own now, so they know how special this time of year can be. The families on the ward have had tough years but we hope that this unique memory helps to make Christmas a little special for them.”

Members of the Chiefs backroom staff joined a large group of players for the visit, which included Kane James, Lewis Pearson, Jack Yeandle, Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent and Kian Gentry.

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation’s chairman Tony Rowe CBE said: “We were delighted to help fund the gifts for this annual event. Being in hospital before and during Christmas is not ideal, so we hope our donation helped bring a little bit of joy.”