As part of the club’s annual 'A Helping Hand at Christmas' campaign, Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall led a team of players to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, with a group also making an appearance at the Freeman Hospital to spend time with young patients and their families.
The visit, organised in conjunction with Newcastle Hospitals Charity, provided a chance for patients to meet their idols, while also allowing players to connect with NHS staff who will spend the festive period caring for the community within hospitals nearby to St. James’ Park.
Players including Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães spent the afternoon signing autographs, posing for photos and handing out club goody bags.
Rachael Black, associate director (fundraising) at Newcastle Hospitals Charity said: “A big thank you to everyone from Newcastle United for coming along to visit our young patients at the RVI and Freeman Hospital.
“Each December around 2,000 children spend the festive season in one of our hospitals, away from friends and family, which isn’t anybody’s first choice. So, we try really hard to make the festive period as cheerful as possible with a full programme of activity.
“Support for Newcastle Hospitals Charity comes in lots of different forms and a visit from NUFC helped provide just the medicine our young patients and their families needed to help raise the spirits.”
Anthony Gordon and his teammates with NHS staff.
1. Newcastle United players and staff visit local hospital wards
Anthony Gordon and his teammates with NHS staff. | Newcastle United via Getty Image
Kieran Trippier offers gifts local kids this Christmas season.
2. Newcastle United players and staff visit local hospital wards
Kieran Trippier offers gifts local kids this Christmas season. | Newcastle United via Getty Image
Newcastle United players and staff visit local hospital wards
3. Newcastle United hospital visits 2024
Newcastle United players and staff visit local hospital wards | Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United players paid a visit to patients on local childrens wards.
4. Newcastle United players and staff visit local hospital wards
Newcastle United players paid a visit to patients on local childrens wards. | Newcastle United via Getty Images