MIDDLESBROUGH footballers yesterday spread some cheer among children facing Christmas in hospital.
Jonathan Woodgate, Stewart Downing, George Boateng and Mark Viduka joined club mascot Roary the Lion to give out gifts in what has become a Boro tradition.
The gifts were donated by big-hearted Boro supporters as part of Roary's Christmas Appeal.
Club sponsor 888.com and the football club kicked off the appeal by donating gifts.
The stars visited the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.
They also took time out of their training schedule to visit Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton.
Club captain Boateng said: "The club has been making these visits for many years now and the players always look forward to it.
"It is an excellent chance for us to put something back into the community and cheer up the kids.
"It is hard enough for children to spend time in hospital at any time of the year, but it is very tough on them at Christmas."
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