On Tuesday, in the week before Christmas, a ripple of excitement spread through the hospice as we were treated to a visit by Bolton Wanderers Official!

Patients and family members (and staff too, of course!) were very excited to meet some of the team. Rosie, Mark and Carol, who regularly attend our Wellbeing Hub, loved speaking to the players, and were grateful for their lovely gifts which were donated by the team.

Oliver - the grandson of another of our Wellbeing Hub patients, Catherine - says he came to visit to learn more about the sessions his Grandma attends each week, but we have a sneaking suspicion his visit was more influenced by the opportunity to collect some autographs from his favourite footballers! Either way, Oliver had a fab time, and definitely came away seeing what a fun and lively place Bolton Hospice is, and how important the support it offers his family is.

The footballers then moved into our Inpatient Unit where they met Edna, and Doris and her brother John. They were over the moon to receive their gifts - beautiful toiletry gift sets - and to spend time chatting to the players.

“They’ve got a fan for life! I hope they keep on scoring lots of goals as they are such lovely young men. It’s made my day that visit."