The Celtic first-team squad and manager Brendan Rodgers today visited Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital to bring some Christmas cheer to some very deserving children.

And as they did so, on behalf of Celtic FC Foundation they were delighted to present a donation of £10,000 to support the work of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Though ordinarily a time of joy, the festive period can instead be a time of heartbreak and distress for many of the children and families supported by the Hospital. The ongoing cost of living crisis has further added to the pressures for many families who are already facing financial hardship.

Through the donation made via this year’s Christmas Appeal, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will be able to provide special Christmas presents to hundreds of children in their care, who are affected by ongoing health issues.

Sadly, a number of these children may have otherwise gone without a gift on Christmas Day, due to the financial constraints that many of their families are currently facing.

Celtic captain, Callum McGregor said: “This is always a big day for us and we are delighted to make this special Christmas visit once again to the hospital.

“The visits such as this which we make really give us all perspective and really importantly remind us of the real difficulties which so many people face.

‘We realise it can be such a hard time for children and their families who are in hospital, at this time of year. We hope that in some way our visit can put a smile on their faces and lift their spirits.’

“It is important that we also thank the staff at the hospital for all they do all year round. They make such a positive difference to the children and they deserve huge praise for the fantastic work they do right across the year.

“Everyone at the club wishes all the children at the hospital and the staff, a very Merry Christmas.”

Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome the Celtic players today. There has been real excitement at the hospital, as so many children got the opportunity to meet their heroes during what can be a very difficult time.

“The generous donation from Celtic FC Foundation is also very gratefully received. This will be crucial in helping children and families who are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone at the club and the Foundation for their continued support.”

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is just one of a number of charities which will receive donations through this year’s Appeal and you can read further details about the other organisations that will benefit from your support, via our Christmas Appeal webpage HERE.

Through our Appeal, we want to give hundreds of families in our communities the Christmas they deserve, making sure there’s food on the table and gifts under the tree.

We also aim to help pensioners, women and children in refuge, the homeless community and refugees – as well as a whole host of others facing poverty and hardship.