A giant Christmas welcome for sporting heroes at the Ulster Hospital children’s wards

Players from the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team visited the Children’s wards at the Ulster Hospital to deliver sackfuls of teddies donated by their fans at their annual Teddy Toss event.
By Julie-Ann Spence
Published 21st Dec 2023, 15:31 BST
Updated 21st Dec 2023, 15:31 BST
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Defence player Josh Roach was joined by fellow teammate Oliver Cooper as surprised smiles and laughter filled the wards in the run up to Christmas.

Hospital Play Specialists Gillian Sinclair and Sharon Millar said they were delighted to see the Belfast Giants players visit the children as some will be spending the festive season on the wards.

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“It’s really special for the children to have visits like this over Christmas time,” said Gillian.

Giants player Josh Roach with parents Amy and Tom and baby Eliza Tabori. Pic credit: SEHSCTGiants player Josh Roach with parents Amy and Tom and baby Eliza Tabori. Pic credit: SEHSCT
Giants player Josh Roach with parents Amy and Tom and baby Eliza Tabori. Pic credit: SEHSCT

"It really lifts the children’s spirits and it also really lifts their whole family’s spirits.

"Some of the children have been in for quite a little while and haven’t been able to get out and enjoy their annual trip to Santa, so it’s really special for them.

“This is a yearly event for us and we all really look forward to it. It’s really special to have this relationship with the team and to see them coming back.”

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Health play specialist Sharon Pauley with players Josh Roach, Oliver Cooper and play specialist Gillian Sinclair. Pic credit: SEHSCTHealth play specialist Sharon Pauley with players Josh Roach, Oliver Cooper and play specialist Gillian Sinclair. Pic credit: SEHSCT
Health play specialist Sharon Pauley with players Josh Roach, Oliver Cooper and play specialist Gillian Sinclair. Pic credit: SEHSCT

Michael Haden, father of little Mylah Andrews, praised the Children’s wards nurses and staff. “The staff here are fantastic. They are just so helpful especially as we have other children at home.

"Mylah has been in hospital for 11 days but we are hopeful she will be leaving the ward soon. The staff are just so accommodating.”

Belfast Giants centreman Oliver Cooper added: “It’s awesome to see the smiles on the children’s faces and hopefully we can spread a little joy at this time of year.”