On Tuesday 19th December 2017, 12 first team players from Port Vale went along to the University Hospital of North Midlands, accompanied by Assistant Manager Lee Nogan, in a bid to spread some joy this Christmas.
The visit was organised by the Port Vale Foundation Trust Manager; Tom Sherratt, as the club donated toys, games and chocolate to the children of the Cheethams Children's ward.
The players went round the children's ward and visited a number of children and their parents during their tough times to spread some much needed joy amongst families during the festive season.
Assistant manager Lee Nogan said: "It brings a smile to their faces when they get some presents and chocolate.
"It has been a good hour for the lads and it shows just how lucky we are - privileged that we can go and play football for a living. Hopefully, these kids who are not very well will be on their feet pretty soon."
Nogan is aware of the neccessity for the club to reach out to the community in different ways and is a big advocate of work in the community: "I think it is very important as a club and throughout the community that we do more things like hospital visits and get about into schools and promote the club.
"It is very important for everybody, as I have said, we are in a privileged position and we should not take it for granted."
The former striker also acknowledges how good a job the Port Vale Foundation Trust are doing: "I think, from what I have seen in a short space of time, Tom [Sherratt] has obviously been leading it very well and like the football, it is small strides.
"He’s been in the job for a couple of years and is trying to improve it every week and that is all you can ask."