Pilgrims Spread Festive Cheer

ARGYLE'S players made their annual visit to Derriford Hospital's children's wards, spreading some festive cheer to those less fortunate at a poignant time of year.

As usual, the lads were humbled by the reaction of the brave boys and girls at Derriford, who in turn seemed thrilled that the players had taken the time to visit, bearing gifts, along with the Argyle Angels, Pilgrim Pete and, of course Father Christmas.



Eleven-year-old Ben Dolphin, from Laira, was surprised to see some of the lads walk into a play room on the ward - and even more so when Pilgrims defender Peter Hartley challenged him to a game of table football.

"It was completely unexpected," said Ben. "It was awesome. It was great to play against him, even if he did have to cheat a bit to win;)”



After having a whip-round, the players spent the afternoon touring the children’s unit, talking to the children and their families and giving out teddy bears, books, selection boxes, pencil cases and other assorted goodies.



“It made my son’s day,” said Helen Tarrant from Plympton as her 12-year-old son, Matthew Cotter, proudly waved around the scarf he had been given.

“Matthew had just found out that he has to stay overnight so he wasn’t feeling great but then the players came in, spoke with him and it made his day.”



All the players took time to talk to the children and proved equally popular with the staff.

Jo Cross, Play Specialist on the children’s wards, said: “The players showed a real interest in our patients and interacted wonderfully with them.

"The children were delighted just to see them; the generous gifts that Argyle brought were a bonus. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Argyle for brightening up the day of many of our patients and staff.

“Keep up the good work boys, you’ve definitely got our support.”

Argyle would like to thank Target Travel for providing the use of their coach, and to Booker Cash & Carry for kindly donating some of the treats we took along.