Chiefs spread some Christmas cheer

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs may have been gearing up for a busy festive period of fixtures, but there was still time for members of Rob Baxter's first-team squad to pay a special festive visit to the Bramble Children’s Unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Players Brett Sturgess, Tom Johnson, Will Chudley, Carl Rimmer, Dave Ewers, Alex Brown, Jack Yeandle, Haydn Thomas, Greg Bateman and Sireli Naqelevuki took on the role of Santa Claus for one very special day and made their annual visit to the local hospital to spend time with youngsters and parents who were facing up to the prospect of remaining on the wards for Christmas and beyond.

The players arrived at the RD&E armed with a stack of presents and clutching a collection of goodie bags filled with Chiefs merchandise to distribute to children on the wards.

Spending time not only delivering presents, but also sitting down and chatting with the young children and their families, the Chiefs team were delighted to help bring some early festive cheer to the Bramble Unit.

Prop Brett Sturgess said: “You have mixed emotions coming here because it’s nice to put smiles on people’s faces and try and cheer the kids up, but some of the wards are really tough. As players, though, we enjoy coming here and spending some time with the kids.

“As players and also as parents ourselves, it’s about giving something back to people who are suffering around Christmas time. We aim to cheer the kids up, give them a few presents and try and bring a smile to their day. It’s something that’s very important for all of us at the Chiefs.”