'So incredible' - Newcastle United supporters will love Bruno Guimaraes' heartfelt Christmas message
Newcastle United players and staff visited hospitals in the city last week to bring some festive cheer.
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes delivered an ‘incredible’ message after helping spread the festive cheer as part of the club’s ‘A Helping Hand at Christmas’ campaign.
The partnership with Newcastle Hospitals Charity sees Newcastle first-team players visit patients at the city’s hospitals over the festive season. The campaign gives young supporters the chance to meet their footballing heroes while players also spend time with the NHS staff who work tirelessly over the festive season.
Guimaraes was joined by Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Emil Krafth at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, just a short walk away from St James’ Park. The Newcastle stars posed for photos, handed out NUFC goody bags and spread the festive cheer.
A second group, including Aaron Ramsdale, Max Thompson, Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento, Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey also visited the RVI while Yoane Wissa, Jamaal Lascelles, John Ruddy, Jacob Murphy, Fabian Schar, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Joe Willock and Alex Murphy were at the Freeman Hospital to spend time with young patients and their families.
Newcastle’s goody bags included bespoke Newcastle United teddy bears, each handcrafted from recycled first-team shirts worn last season. The bears were stitched by linen room staff at the Freeman Hospital, assisted by the club’s Under-12 Academy squad, who helped form many of the 150 cuddly companions as part of their ongoing community engagement.
Bruno Guimaraes: “Special moments...”
Speaking at the RVI the day after leading Newcastle to a 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Fulham, Guimaraes told the club: “It’s always a privilege for us to share these special moments with patients and their families, giving them a little extra strength and support ahead of Christmas. Being here, so close to St. James’ Park, and seeing young kids facing illness really puts everything into perspective.
“Our connection with the fans is what makes this club so incredible. Experiences like this bring everyone together; not just as a team, but as a city. We’re determined to bring even more happiness to Newcastle, both on and off the pitch.
“I just want to thank all the hospital staff for everything they do, and for giving us the chance to visit today.”
NUFC thanked for classy Christmas gesture
Newcastle players and staff have made visiting the city’s hospitals a heartwarming but also eye-opening part of their festive routine over the years.
While their fixture schedule is busy, the players have found time to try and spread some festive cheer.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity director Teri Bayliss thanked supporters and the club for their generosity and time.
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and fundraisers we are able to bring a small amount of joy to patients and their families over the festive season.
“It’s particularly difficult being in hospital at this time of year and visits like this make such a huge difference. Thank you to all the players and staff for coming to spend time with young patients and their carers, brightening their day and spreading some festive cheer.”
The hospital visits formed part of the annual A Helping Hand at Christmas initiative, relaunched this year by Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation. The campaign pledges to support more than 1,000 local families in need during December.
Throughout the month, players and staff will dedicate time to creating memorable experiences, tackling food poverty, and providing warm, welcoming spaces across the community.