DELIVERING CITY SMILES

Each year, members of Cardiff City’s first-team squad and Academy squad take time out to visit local children’s wards and hospitals to spread a little festive cheer.

This December, the senior side split themselves into two groups to drop by onTŷ Hafanhospice in Sully and the Heath Hospital’s‘Star and Sky Ward’.

Tŷ Hafan continues as one of our nominated charities this season and this Christmas, the lads were joined by TV presenters and Tŷ Hafan supporters,Anna Ryder-RichardsonandLisa Rogersat the hospice. A ‘best-dressed tree’ competition was held on the afternoon, while the lads each shown around the hospice to see the care and support that they offer for young people and their families.

The visit to the ‘Star and Sky’ ward at the Heath Hospital came about in conjunction with theDreams and WishesCharity, promoted and backed by Assistant First Team PhysiotherapistAdam Rattenberryand charity ambassadorMark Hudson.

The charity is dedicated to making a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families. This year, with the support of the City players, the children painted special Christmas cards which have been printed, sold and presented to Speaker of the House of CommonsJohn Bercowduring a specially arranged trip to London.

Co-founder of Dreams and WishesSian Kosinkskisaid: “We’ve arranged numerous fund-raising events with Cardiff City and they’ve come out again this Christmas to help make the Christmas Cards with us.

City starCraig Conwayadded: “Hospitals can sometimes not be very nice places for children, especially at this time of year. There are a lot of Cardiff fans here, so it’s important we give something back and support them. Hopefully we’ve been able to put smiles on their faces.”

To find out more about the two charities, visitwww.dreamsandwishescharity.organd or click on the crests belowwww.tyhafan.org