Celtic Spread Christmas Cheer

The Celtic FC first team squad recently visited Glasgow’s children’s hospital to bring some Christmas cheer to Scotland's young patients.

The players also proudly presented a donation of £10,000 from the Celtic FC Foundation to support the work of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Though ordinarily a time of joy, the festive period can instead be a time of heartbreak and distress for many of the children and families supported by the hospital. The ongoing cost of living crisis has further added to the pressures for many families who are already facing financial hardship.

Through the donation made via the Foundation's Christmas Appeal, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will be able to provide special Christmas presents to hundreds of children in their care, who are affected by ongoing health issues.

Sadly, a number of these children may have otherwise gone without a gift on Christmas Day, due to the financial constraints that many families are currently facing.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor said: “This is always a big day for us and we were delighted to make this special Christmas visit once again to the hospital.

“The visits such as this which we make really give us all perspective and really importantly remind us of the real difficulties which so many people face. We realise it can be such a hard time for children and their families who are in hospital, at this time of year. We hope that in some way our visit can put a smile on their faces and lift their spirits.  

“It is important that we also thank the staff at the hospital for all they do all year round.  They make such a positive difference to the children and they deserve huge praise for the fantastic work they do right across the year. Everyone at the Club wishes all the children at the hospital and the staff, a very Merry Christmas.”

Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome the Celtic players. There has been real excitement at the hospital, as so many children got the opportunity to meet their heroes during what can be a very difficult time. 

“The generous donation from Celtic FC Foundation is also very gratefully received.  This will be crucial in helping children and families who are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone at the Club and the Foundation for their continued support.”