The men’s squad headed to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, surprising over 400 children and their families, while Manchester City women also paid visits to The Christie, Francis House and Wythenshawe Starlight Ward.
The players handed out presents to patients across the hospital and also took the time to meet nurses and doctors on each ward as well.
Pep Guardiola, plus players Gabriel Jesus and Ederson, also joined families in the Teen Zone for a fun foosball tournament, bringing along our trophies from the Fourmidables campaign for families to take their photos with for good measure.
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And the City boss hopes the annual visit can bring some positivity to those spending Christmas away from home.
He said: “Spending this time of year in hospital must be so difficult but everyone we met was smiling. Their strength and courage is incredibly inspiring for all of us and we are grateful to have been a part of this special day.
“It is always an honour to come to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and meet such brave young people and their families.
“The staff and volunteers do amazing work all year round and we are in awe of their tireless effort.”
But those words of praise from the boss were also backed up by the kinds gesture of the first-team players, who offered their support by committing to the funding of a new piece of equipment at the RMCH.
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The Magic Carpet, an interactive, portable projector, helps children with physical or cognitive impairments, and those who are non-verbal or with acquired brain injuries to engage in fun games and communicate with other patients and clinicians.
The technology also assists patients to undergo neuropsychological assessment that may otherwise be difficult to achieve due to their condition.
But irrespective of helping to introduce new technology to the ward, Director of RMCH Charity, Sarah Naismith, admits the players’ presence is enough to lift spirits.
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She said: “Their annual Christmas visit is always a huge highlight of our year and brings a buzz to the wards and smiles to the faces of our patients, families and staff.
“We cannot thank the players, and everyone involved in the visit, (enough) for their continued support.”
Take a look through the gallery below to see the best bits of the day...
