FOOTBALL players scored a winner with children in hospital yesterday. The Hull City squad took time out from training to visit poorly youngsters at Hull Royal Infirmary.
The Black and Amber stars handed out goodie bags packed full of treats, including drinks bottles, shirts, rubber ducks, hats and posters to dozens of children facing the run-up to Christmas in hospital.
Roman Kelly, four, was kitted out in a little Hull City shirt and could not wait to pose with players for a photograph.
"His big brother is really into Hull City, so now Roman likes them too," said his mum Lexy Kelly, of Walkington.
Roman has Coats' Disease, an eye disorder that is making him blind. He regularly visits the hospital for laser treatments, so a visit from some famous faces made a welcome change.
"I can't believe they came in to see the children. It is so nice," said Lexy. "Roman is so pleased. He loves football and has asked Santa for a football kit and some Lego for Christmas."
Players also stopped by the bed of Joe Baarda, 11, of Eloughton. Unfortunately for Joe, he lost the argument of which sport is better, football or rugby, because he was in hospital after dislocating his elbow in a scrum.
City defender Curtis Davies, 28, joked that he would let him off, as Hull is a rugby city, but made him promise to support the Tigers at their next game.
Joe's mum Wendy said: "He was a bit out of it, as he was just coming round from surgery. But the nurses came and explained the players were coming and we thought it was a lovely idea. It is so kind they have taken time out to come and do this."
• Photo gallery: Pictures of Hull City players with children at Hull Royal Infirmary
Midfielder Tom Huddlestone handed a Hull City teddy to Oliver Woad. Three-year-old Oliver, of Goole, has been in hospital for surgery on his bowel. His mum Donna said: "I think it is amazing they've done this for the kids. Tom was so down to earth and very nice." Callum Hawkings, nine, may have been wearing the wrong shirt, but was still a hit with the players. In a Manchester United top, he posed for pictures while visiting his baby brother Riley, 17 months, who was admitted with pneumonia. Callum said: "I love football. "I was really excited when I heard they were coming." They made Callum vow to support Hull City when the team plays Manchester United on Boxing Day. His mum Marie, of west Hull, said: "He will definitely be in the Hull City stands but I think he might still be cheering for Man U." Dozens of presents were handed out during the Tigers' visit yesterday. The presents were suitable for all ages, as Violet Crossland, who turns one on Christmas Eve, found out when she received a pink Hull City teddy and some booties. Her mum Laura Wetherell said: "My partner Mathew Crossland is a big fan, so he was so pleased to have a photograph with the players. "Violet loved the pink teddy."'It's brilliant to give something back' HULL city midfielder Tom Huddlestone says he enjoyed visiting the children. He said: "It is nice to mix with the community and try to cheer the kids up a bit. "It can't be easy being stuck in hospital over Christmas, so it is nice to hand out a few presents and give them something to smile about." Fellow Tiger Curtis Davies agreed. He said: It's brilliant to be able to give something back to the patients. "It never replaces the fact you may or may not be going home for Christmas, but if we can put a little smile on their faces from giving them a toy, then we are more than happy to do so. "I'm a father myself and I know that if my child was in hospital and she was able to get a visit from someone who would cheer her up then I'd be happy for that to happen."