Wolves players Danny Batth and Matt Doherty raise smiles on visit to Acorns Children's Hospice

Skipper Danny Batth and his defensive colleague Matt Doherty took time out of their busy schedule to visit Acorns Children's Hospice in Walsall this week.

The pair delivered presents and met up with children, families, staff and volunteers at the hospice.

It is the first time players from the club have visited the charity, which provides specialist palliative care and support for life limited and life threatened children across the West Midlands.

Danny said: “As players, we are always keen to try and get out and about in the local community all the year around, but especially at Christmas.

“Acorns is such an important organisation which looks after children both from Wolverhampton and further afield, and it was a real privilege to be part of the club’s first ever visit to the charity.

“It was a pleasure for us to meet so many brave children and their families, and to see at first hand some of the incredible work which Acorns carries out.”

Wolves also donated 50 tickets for the club’s fixture against Brentford on January 2, for Acorns to distribute among families and staff.

Some of the Championship table-toppers' players brought cheer to sick children at New Cross Hospital earlier this week.

Jackie Griffiths, head nurse at Acorns, said: “We’re so grateful to Matt and Danny for taking time out to meet the children and families and for helping make this an extra special Christmas for those we help and support. Everyone was thrilled to meet the players and receive gifts – a big thank you to the club for helping to arrange.”

In the past year Acorns has cared for over 870 children and more than 1,090 families, including those who are bereaved.

It costs Acorns nearly £10 million every year to provide its services and it relies on fundraising for the majority of that amount.

To support the work of Acorns this Christmas, visit acorns.org.uk/Christmas