FOOTBALL-loving youngster Daniel Brackstone will be spending Christmas in Queen’s Hospital, which is why Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough was keen to help lift his spirits.
The Brewers boss, his backroom staff and the entire first team squad, paid a visit to the hospital to wish patients and staff a merry Christmas - but no-one was more excited to see the League One leaders than seven-year-old Daniel.
In traction after suffering a bad break to his leg, Daniel will be on the ward on Christmas Day but his mum Clair and dad Adrian are planning a second Christmas for him when he gets back home in January.
In the meantime, he enjoyed a pre-Christmas boost by meeting Nigel Clough and his favourite players. Daniel was presented with a signed copy of the club’s new photo book and posed for pictures with the Brewers squad.
The team made a tour of the hospital dropping on in the wards to chat with patients and staff and were joined by club mascot Billy Brewer.
The players handed out Christmas gifts and autographs and helped cheer the spirits of the patients.
Burton Albion Community Trust organises the visit to the hospital each Christmas.
Head of community Andy Taylor said: “The players and staff always enjoy visiting the hospital. It’s a chance to meet the dedicated staff who do such a tremendous job and to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the patients who maybe spending the festive season in hospital.”
Deb Price, from Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were delighted to welcome Nigel Clough and the Burton Albion players to Queen’s Hospital. The staff and patients really enjoyed the visit. Many of them support Burton Albion and were thrilled to meet the team and to have a chance to chat with the players and backroom staff.”