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Glasgow Children's Hospital patients write 'good luck' letters to ex Celtic star Matt O'Riley

Glasgow Children's Hospital patients have left former Celtic star Matt O'Riley with a big smile on his face after sending him good luck letters.

O'Riley, 24, moved to Brighton & Hove Albion as part of a reported fee of £25m in the summer, but was the charity's first gaming volunteer while he was a Celt.

The big hearted midfielder said at the time he formed "genuine connections" with some of the patients and gave up three hours a week to help out and bring smiles to some of the faces.

And despite now playing his football over 400 miles away, the children at the hospital clearly still have fond memories of O'Riley.

O'Riley in his volunteering role.

O'Riley in his volunteering role. (Image: GCH)

In a picture shared on social media, one of the cards reads: "Good luck Matt at Brighton! From everyone at ward 3C Thank you."

Another said: "Thanks for all you have done in GCH."

A post on the charity's Facebook page said: "We were very sad to see Matt go, but are so excited to see him now play for Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

"To say thank you for being such an amazing volunteer, some of our young patients wrote cards and drew pictures for Matt, to wish him the best of luck at his new team.

"In recent weeks, we've been blown away by the support for our Gamer-in-Residence, and our gaming in hospital initiative, and have been inundated with gaming volunteer applications, which we are so thankful for.

"This position is now temporarily paused to allow for new volunteers to be trained and begin volunteering.

Gaming in the hospital is kindly supported by Devolver Digital."

The Brighton midfielder has had a tricky to start to the Premier League season, missing the start due to an injury.

However, O'Riely has recently fought his way into Fabian Hürzeler's side, scoring against champions Manchester City along the way.

Anyone wanting to get involved with the charity's Games for the Weans campaign can find out more here.

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