A CARING football team took a break from training to visit sick poorly youngsters armed with presents.

Players from Barrow AFC went to the children’s ward at Furness General Hospital yesterday to give out presents to the poorly youngsters who are spending the run up to Christmas on the ward.

The ward has taken on a festive appearance, with pictures of candy canes and snowmen hanging from the ceiling, and gingerbread men lining the corridor.

The squad, accompanied by manager Ian Evatt, spent time playing with the children, with one youngster, Louis, taking a particular interest in the team.

The players then handed out presents and gifts, which they had contributed towards from their own money.

The top-of-the-league team left the remainder of the presents on the ward for any future Children who are admitted over the Christmas period.

Evatt said: “It’s important that we get to do things within the community.

“It’s about the connection between us and the community, and it isn’t nice for kids being in hospital over the Christmas period.

“Sixteen players came here and five went to the homeless shelter to give presents to the children without a home.

“It was great to see the children, there was one little boy was giving out cuddles. The parents were great, they enjoyed us coming and they were very receptive. We hope that the kids get well soon.”

Kelly Unsworth, from Cartmel, whose young son Louis is in hospital with a chest infection, said: “Louis loved the visit.

“He hasn’t opened his present yet, but he managed to get an extra one for his twin brother. He’s a bit excited now.”

When asked who his favourite football team was, Louis said: “Barrow... and Man United!”

Becky Laisby, from Ulverston, whose eight-week-old son Arthur Boulton is on the ward said: “It’s nice, especially for the older kids.

“My other two boys would have loved this.

“I think it’s nice that they are part of the community - they’re not just famous people.

“If you go watch them play, you’d think that they’re just a football player but they’re not. Them coming in gives poorly kids a boost.”

Ward manager Josephine Holmes said: “It’s just nice, it gives the children a bit better experience around Christmas.

“It’s nice to know that the community care about what we do in the hospital, especially at this time of year.

“It’s also nice to see the young people being involved. We give presents out throughout the month through various groups coming in. Hospital isn’t always a nice place to be, especially for those who are in often, so we try to make it nicer.” Going in to today’s match against Aldershot Town, Barrow AFC are three points clear at the top of the National League and are looking to win promotion to the Football League for the first time since 1972.