On Tuesday players from Barnet Football Club were privileged to officially open the new Galaxy Ward at Barnet Hospital.

Jon Nurse, Luke Gambin, Carl Fletcher, George Sykes, Iffy Allen, Ahmed Abdulla and Mauro Vilhete all visited the children’s ward and neonatal unit as the community trust continued their excellent work over the festive period.

The players, along with Mr Bumble and Father Christmas, handed out presents to the youngsters before taking the time to speak to them and their parents.

They then visited the hospital’s Starlight neonatal unit before officially opening the Galaxy Ward with young people from Latymer School who make up the hospital’s youth advisory group. 

Every player enjoyed the visit and understood the importance of continuing to work with the community.

Luke Gambin: “It’s important as footballers to work with the local community and give something back. The lads enjoyed the visit a lot and it was a nice experience for us to be able to give our presents, spread some cheer and talk to the kids and parents around Christmas time.”

Carl Fletcher: It’s good to get the players out in the community and it is especially important for the young players to understand how lucky they are. It was nice to see families who will probably be in hospital this Christmas and hopefully we gave them something to smile about. The club and the community cannot work without each other so it is vital to give something back, especially at Christmas time. 

Jon Nurse: “At Christmas it is important to recognise the people that aren’t well or are worse off so it was a nice thing for us to do. Hopefully the kids enjoyed it as much as we did and like us ended the day with a smile.”