Wayne Rooney surprises stroke patient at Royal Derby Hospital with Christmas visit
Former England captain Wayne Rooney paid a personal visit to a stroke patient at Royal Derby Hospital as he and members of the Derby County squad spread the Christmas cheer yesterday (Tuesday 17 December).
The ex Everton and Manchester United man paid a visit to committed season ticket holder Terry Hawkesworth who has recently suffered a stroke.
Terry, who has been a season ticket holder for more than 20 years, currently cannot attend matches at his beloved Pride Park Stadium, and Rooney personally expressed an interest in paying him a visit on Ward 312.
Rooney was joined by Curtis Davies, Martin Waghorn and Chris Martin on the Stroke Rehabilitation Ward, where Terry was presented with a signed captain’s armband and chatted to the players.
Terry’s daughter, Penny, said: “The visit from the players was very much appreciated; it has given my dad a real lift.”
Lisa Bailey, Generic Therapy Assistant, said: “It was such a lovely surprise to see Wayne and the players come in to see Terry on the ward. It really did put a smile on everyone’s face and it meant the world to Terry who is a massive Rams fans.”
The squad also called in to the Puffin, Dolphin and Sunflower Wards as part of their annual Christmas visit to the Children’s Hospital, bearing gifts including two gaming carts from TheRockinR Gaming Charity, which will allow our young patients to play video games on our wards during their time in hospital.