Xmas visit to Bramble Unit

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs may be gearing up for a busy festive period of fixtures, but on Thursday members of the first-team squad took a morning out to pay a special festive visit to the Bramble Children’s Unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Players Dean Mumm, Tom Johnson, Brett Sturgess, Jack Yeandle, James Hanks, Jason Shoemark, Carl Rimmer, Hoani Tui and Chris Whitehead took on the role of Santa Claus for one very special day and made their annual visit to the local hospital to spend time with youngsters who are facing up to the prospect of remaining on the wards for Christmas and beyond.

Ahead of this weekend's Aviva Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons the players arrived at the RD&E armed with a stack of presents and clutching a collection of goodie bags filled with Chiefs merchandise to distribute to children on the wards.

Spending time not only delivering presents, but also sitting down and chatting with the young children and their families, the Chiefs team were delighted to help bring some early festive cheer to the Bramble Unit.

Prop Brett Sturgess said: “You have mixed emotions coming here because it’s nice to put smiles on people’s faces and try and cheer the kids up, but some of the wards are really tough. The cancer and intensive care wards are really difficult to cover, but we enjoy coming here and spending some time with the kids.

“For us as players and also as parents ourselves, it’s about giving something back to people who are suffering around Christmas time. We aim to cheer the kids up, give them a few presents and try and bring a smile to their day. It’s something that’s very important for all of us at the Chiefs.”

As well as the visit from the Chiefs, youngsters on the Bramble United were afforded a second treat when they got to see a pair of Reindeer from Cotley Farm in Whimple brought down to the unit’s outdoor play area for the children to admire.

Play Specialist Cara Bennett said: “We’re always pleased to see the Exeter Chiefs players here and appreciate the time and effort they make to bring gifts for the children and put a smile on all their faces. The reindeer were popular visitors too, so our thanks go to Cotley Farm for bringing them down.”