An annual event, the Jolly Green Giant joined the group who delivered gifts to the patients to try and help make it a Merry Christmas.
Club captain James Bailey, Tom James, Dan Alfei, Keston Davies, Jordan Green, Jake Gray and Artur Krysiak joined Jolly and Skiverton, spending the afternoon with the children currently at YDH.
Speaking after the festive visit, Skiverton said: “It reiterates to the players that there are people who are not having their ideal Christmas and it’s just nice for the players and the staff to come out and give something back into the community.
“It’s important that we do get out in the community and especially with the hospital where we’ve got close links. My three children were born at this hospital so it’s no problem for me to come up here and support them as well.
“The players have sold the club very well so it’s put a little bit of pressure on for the Exeter game this weekend but it’s very good and we’ve just got to make sure that the whole town sticks together.”
The club recently collected cuddly toys for the hospital following the #SpreadSomeJoyWithACuddlyToy campaign. However, due to a recent outbreak of norovirus at YDH the delivery of cuddly companions was unable to take place.
Following the huge generosity of Yeovil fans who responded fantastically to the campaign, the toys will now be found alternative homes.
A hospital spokesperson commented on the matter.
“We’re so grateful to the fans and players at Yeovil Town for these generous donations. It’s heart-warming that so many local people have given such personal gifts to put smiles on the faces of our youngest patients this Christmas.
“Because our hospital has been managing an outbreak of the norovirus, which is also circulating in the community, we have to be extra careful about bringing in gifts which could spread the virus amongst patients, visitors and staff. We have therefore agreed with the club that, this year, we will pass these gifts onto local charities to ensure they find a happy home with local children.”
