SKY Blues defender Aaron Martin donated £1,000 out of his own pocket to Coventry’s University Hospital following the club’s annual Christmas visit.
A host of first team players and coaches joined manager Tony Mowbray to visit the children’s ward at the hospital to hand out presents and Christmas cheer.
As well as donating gifts from the club and signing autographs, the players donated their fine-money of just over £500 to buy the children Christmas presents and they also posed for pictures as well as signing photographs.
One player who was particularly touched by the visit was defender Martin, who donated £1,000 towards a fundraising campaign to create a beach scene at the entrance of the Children’s Emergency Department.
The UHCW Charity are currently raising £40,000 to help make the hospital less frightening for the young children and Martin’s kind donation will go directly towards the appeal.
“I’ve always enjoyed the hospital visit during my time at the club and when I visited last year, I felt like I should try and do more,” said Martin.
“When I heard what they’re trying to achieve on the children’s emergency ward, I didn’t have to think twice before donating as it is a great project.
“It’s a privilege to be healthy and the staff and the charity do a great job at University Hospital. I’m just happy to help in this way.”
Mowbray said it was important for his players and staff to get out in the community and support people through their difficult times.
He added: “It’s a special time of year, a family time of year. Anything we can do to show the parents of the children that the club is a caring part of the city, that’s what we should do.
“Family values are huge and I feel sorry when I walk around the ward and see children who are ill at this time of year, it strikes it home.
“Undoubtedly, it’s important for our young footballers to get out and experience the world. I want our footballers to carry a humility around with them and realise that people in the world need support.”
If you’d like to donate towards the project or find out ways you can help, contact [email protected] or call on 02476 966913.
