Newcastle United lads pictured spreading festive joy as they visit kids' hospital

Usually, on a Wednesday afternoon, we're delving into the latest training gallery for hints around who is or isn't available for the upcoming weekend game.

Today, however, we were treated to something a bit more pleasant and festive as Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall and the first-team lads headed out to visit sick kids in the hospital at the RVI.

As reported on newcastleunited.com the lads spent their time handing out goody bags which included a bespoke Newcastle United teddy bear as well as signing autographs and chatting with the kids.

It's a regular thing for the players to go around visiting kids in hospital around Christmas, but it never fails to bring a smile seeing the kids' faces lit up from meeting their heroes.

newcastleunited.com

Bruno Guimaraes spoke of the importance of the club's connection with the community

Team captain Bruno Guimaraes summed up their time at the RVI.

"It's always nice to spend these moments with patients and staff as we know how much it means to them. As a club, we're passionate about our connection with the community so visits like this are incredibly valuable.

"We're all extremely proud to have a chance to create memories with kids and give them some strength for the Christmas period. It's been a heartwarming afternoon and has really lifted the spirits of everyone involved."

The visits were part of NUFC's A Helping Hand At Christmas campaign

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."

The visits were part of the club's A Helping Hand At Christmas campaign in connection with the Newcastle United Foundation.