CHILDREN spending the run up to Christmas in hospital were treated to a special visit from players from Barrow Raiders.

Armed with presents, the rugby stars took time out of their preparations for next season to visit the children's ward at Furness General Hospital.

The players came straight from training on Saturday morning hoping to bring smiles to the faces of all those on the ward.

This is an annual tradition for the local sports team as part of their constant efforts to reach out to the Barrow community.

Paul Crarey, the Barrow Raiders head coach, said: “It’s great to come and take part in this as I have two kids myself who have been in hospital, so I know how it feels.

“It is tough for the parents as well as their kids who are anxious about being here.

“Asda have donated the presents so it is a big buy in from people of the town of Barrow.

“Doing this also grounds the players as well because it just hits them how lucky they are to be active and healthy."

The Raiders combined with the Asda Foundation for the community focused effort as the supermarket provided the presents for the children.

This is co-ordinated by Gill Gerrish who is passionate about this work in Barrow, and hopes to continue to do so in future.

Gill Gerrish, the community champion for Asda, said: “We do this to reach out to the community especially at this time of the year and we do it every year with the Asda foundation.

“We do a lot of work in the area working with local charities and schools

“It brings tears to my eyes doing this as you don’t realise how lucky you are. It has made a difference to someone’s life.

“The kids look up to the clubs and players so it is important as they may want to grow up wanting to play sport at a high level.”

Crarey added: “It's great that Asda and Gill are here to support us by providing the gifts.

“It brings us all together and this is the part of the year we look forward to as we get to see the reaction.

“A lot of professional clubs do it now and the children and parents really enjoy it.

“It’s a good thing that we come and do this and it is always really well received.”

Andy Gaffney, rugby director at Barrow Raiders, said: “It helps the community and we are a community based club.

“As well as this each year we go around schools teaching rugby and do other activities in the area.

“This is a good way of all the squad getting involved in the work that we do.

“We actually enjoy doing it as the players get to come in over Christmas to give the kids some presents and from it they always get that boost.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Gill from Asda as well as they provided the gifts and shows that this is a great community effort.”