There was some football fun last week at Christopher's Hospice, the Guildford facility of Shooting Star Chase, as AFC Wimbledon players paid a visit to children and their families supported by the charity.
The team visit wasn't the only treat in store as Paul and Irene Strank from corporate partner Paul Strank Roofing delivered some Easter goodies, which were kindly donated by supporters of their Easter Egg Appeal.
The treats will be distributed across both of the charity's hospices, Christopher's in Guildford and Shooting Star House in Hampton, for the supported families to enjoy over the Easter break.
Paul and Irene Strank joined some of the players to have a tour of the newly refurbished hospice before testing their artistic skills decorating some delicious Irish inspired biscuits, ahead of St Patrick's Day, with some of the children.
The players then joined the families for a kick about in the garden, coming up against a budding young goalie who used the opportunity to practise his saving skills!
Karen Sugarman, Director of Fundraising at Shooting Star Chase said of the day, "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome our long-term supporters Paul Strank Roofing and the manager and players of AFC Wimbledon. It was wonderful to enjoy the sunshine in our garden and the players having a game of football with the children. We also enjoyed a great activity making biscuits for St. Patrick's Day with the families. We would also like to thank Paul Strank Roofing for the incredible mountain of Easter Eggs, ensuring that families in both our hospices and our Hospice at Home families will all be able to enjoy these lovely gifts. Irene and Paul Strank have worked incredibly hard for many years supporting Shooting Star Chase and we are eternally grateful for their incredible and ongoing care and support for what we do."
Anne Bridgman, Head of Care at Christopher's, said: "The families involved had such a great day. Two families said that it was the best day in their children's lives and they will have so many memories of it."
Visits of this kind are extremely special and important to the families who depend on Shooting Star Chase's care and support. Often due to the complexities of their child's life-limiting condition, they aren't able to simply have fun together as a family. Shooting Star Chase helps to create a safe and comfortable environment where families can enjoy spending time together and create special memories they can all treasure.
PIC: Neal Ardley and Dons players with Shooting Star Chase corporate partners Paul and Irene Strank and supported family members Bella, Will, Jake and Tommy. Credit: Bruce Middlemiss.
For more information on the support Shooting Star Chase offers visit their website. Visit the Paul Strank Roofing website for more information on the company's valuable charity work.