Sportsmen of all fields took time out today to spread a little Christmas cheer amongst many of Wales’ bravest battlers at the children’s ward in University Hospital of Wales.

WBO world light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly is beginning training for his homecoming to Wales in the new year, but he joined players from Cardiff City FC in visiting children who will spend this years Christmas in hospital.

The Bluebirds face a gruelling and busy Christmas period but it didn’t stop their stars, including international footballers Robert Earnshaw and Kenny Miller, turning out to present patients with gifts and meet their families. Olympic medallist David Davies also attended to take pictures with the patients and sign autographs.

The Children’s Hospital for Wales was opened by Hollywood A-listers Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones in 2006 and it was Wales’ first specialist children’s hospital. It has since gone on to provide services for children from all over Wales and it has a variety of facilities, including parents accommodation and numerous playrooms specific to the different age groups of patients.

The hospital needs £7m to stat Phase 2 of its development which will provide improved facilities and care for patients. You can donate at: www.noahs-ark-appeal.org/donate/