Fabian Delph joined brave youngsters at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to unveil a brand-new pain distraction unit, funded by the squad as part of the hospital’s One Big Wish appeal.
The Manchester City midfielder was helped by six specially selected football mad fans to help him cut the ribbon at the new facility – and they were each presented with their own City home kit to mark the occasion.
And he even made a surprise visit to one young Blue who was too poorly to attend the unveiling – delivering their kit in person.
Delph, a father of three daughters himself – the youngest born during World Cup 2018 – was honoured to meet the brave children.
He said: “Today I was blown away by the spirit and bravery of all the kids I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
“To be able to give something back to our local community and support the great work of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is a real honour for everyone at the club.”
Sarah Naismith, Director of Charities at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity added: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Fabian to our Children’s Hospital to meet some of our patients and to unveil the piece of specialist equipment which the squad very kindly funded.
“The 3D Pain Distraction Unit will be used to ease patients’ fears and take their minds off medical procedures which can be daunting for young children.
“We’re extremely grateful for all the support we receive from the club; they are always going above and beyond to think of our patients.”
The state-of-the-art unit projects a series of interactive 3D images and games on to a screen which patients can control and enjoy whilst they undergo medical treatment.
Wearing special 3D glasses, youngsters become completely immersed in a colourful world of virtual reality that helps distract them from pain and blocks out the frightening sights and sounds of the treatment room.
The unveiling forms part of the Club’s long-standing relationship with the hospital.
Earlier this season, patients joined the squad on their champions parade through Manchester city centre and seven brave youngsters were invited to take part in both the men’s and women’s official team photographs.
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity will be conducting a bucket collection at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 2nd February 2019.