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Albion stars make Christmas hospice visit

BBC Captain Lewis Dunk holding a baby and posing for the camera with two older children, one wearing a football kitBBC
Captain Lewis Dunk said it was very special to meet the children and their families

Three Brighton & Hove Albion footballers surprised families and staff at a children's hospice when they made a visit.

Lewis Dunk and Jason Steele, captain and goalkeeper of the men's team, and women's team midfielder Dejana Stefanovic, gave Christmas presents to the children at Chestnut Tree House in Arundel.

"It's been a really enjoyable experience," Dunk told BBC Radio Sussex, after he signed autographs and went on a tour of the hospice's facilities.

"It's got everything. It's great for the families to have access to this."

Captain Lewis Dunk, goalkeeper Jason Steele, and women's midfielder Dejana Stefanovic smile for the camera with two hospice staff wearing purple and pink scrubs under Christmas decorations from the ceiling and a Christmas tree to the side.
Men's captain Lewis Dunk (left), goalkeeper Jason Steele and women's midfielder Dejana Stefanovic brought gifts for Christmas

The three footballers chatted to staff and families, and visited the hospice's rooms, play areas and swimming pool. They also played video games with some of the children.

But Dunk added the children had delivered a serious message to the Seagulls players.

"Beat Palace on Sunday," he said, referring to Brighton's Premier League match against rivals Crystal Palace.

"That's all they kept saying!"

A group of adults and children, some sitting, some in wheelchairs, some standing, gather around a games console and TV. One child wearing a football kit is waving his arms in celebration. Christmas decorations can be seen on the ceiling and in the background.
The players joined the children to play video games during their visit

Jack Northeast, activities team leader at the hospice, said: "It means so much to the children, football is really popular with young people.

"To see their heroes is incredible. We're all about making memories here, memories that will last a lifetime for the families and children.

"Our role is to make fun, exciting and engaging experiences happen. We've had dinosaurs visit and been on speedboat trips."

George Carden/BBC Jacob standing opposite men's keeper JAson Steele who is holding a large footballGeorge Carden/BBC
Jacob challenges Jason Steele to a football match

Nigel and his son Jacob were among the families at the event.

Jacob even beat Jason Steele in a one-on-one football match.

"Jacob has spent a lot of time in hospital this year. He has been absolutely buzzing for weeks about this," said Nigel.

"Having something for him to look forward to come here and relax really means a lot.

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