The National League club dropped in at two hospitals to lift the spirits of patients and staff by bringing some early Christmas gifts

Members of staff from Leyton Orient helped put some smiles on the faces of patients at hospitals Whipps Cross and Homerton last week by completing their annual Christmas visit to the two venues.

First-team captain Charlie Lee was joined by club skipper David Mooney, Matt Harrold and Jamie Sendles-White at Whipps Cross Acorn Ward on Thursday.

Mascot Theo the Wyvern was also present to help hand out presents and spend time with patients and staff.

At Homerton hospital last Thursday, players Jobi McAnuff and Rommy Boco were joined by CEO Danny Macklin and community liaison officer Howard Gould.

The foursome handed out gifts at Starlight ward before being joined by defender Joe Widdowson ahead of visiting the Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Unit.

Ghislaine Stephenson, Associate Director of Nursing for Paediatrics at Whipps Cross, told the official club website: “These visits mean so much to the children.

“It is absolutely wonderful to have members of the playing squad come and brighten up their day along with Theo who always proves to be extremely popular with the kids.”

McAnuff added: “The purpose of the visit was to try and bring a bit of Christmas cheer as obviously it’s not a nice time to be in hospital.

“As a community club, it is important to show support to local hospitals, so whether we can just come here to give the kids a little boost or chat with the staff who work incredibly hard, we hope it’s been a positive experience for everyone.”

Marianne Hill, Senior Children’s Nurse at Homerton Hospital, said: “It’s always great to see the Orient players during their annual Christmas visit to Homerton.

“They always cheer up the young patients as they love to see them, and it’s especially good to have the presents that the Orient generously give to us.”