Leeds United stars make cancer ward visit

Young adults with cancer were treated to a special visit from Leeds United stars Patrick Bamford and Adam Forshaw earlier this month.

The surprise visit to the Bexley Wing at St James’s University Hospital was organised by Yorkshire Cancer Research to mark its third season as charity partner of the Premier League club.

For the first time since the Covid pandemic hit, the players were able to spend time chatting and having photographs taken with patients receiving care on the ward.

Patrick said: “It’s amazing to be able to spend time on a hospital ward again and help bring a smile to these young people while they’re going through such a difficult time. It’s so important that we’re able to take time out to do this type of thing for the fans. It really puts everything into perspective.”

Since being formed 97 years ago, Yorkshire Cancer Research has invested millions of pounds in research in Leeds. The charity will be continuing to work with Leeds United during the 22/23 season to raise awareness of cancer signs, symptoms and risk factors, and to highlight the important work it funds in the city.

Adam added: “The NHS has really gone above and beyond during the past few years, so we’re here to show how grateful we are to the doctors and nurses who work so hard every day to provide the very best care for our fans in Leeds. But this wouldn’t be possible without all the incredible research that goes on behind the scenes, funded by charities like Yorkshire Cancer Research.”

Katie Sweeting, Matron for the Teenage and Young Adults Cancer Unit at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS trust, said: “It’s fantastic to have visitors like Patrick Bamford and Adam Forshaw. It gives such a lift to the ward and everyone on it. It’s been really hard for those being treated for cancer, and also for the staff, during the last couple of years. Seeing several of our patients chatting and playing pool with their heroes is a real joy.”

Juliet Glendinning, Director at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “It’s moments like this that make us so glad to be Leeds United’s charity partner for a third season. The club and the fans have shown the charity so much support during the past two years, and we can’t wait to offer those affected by cancer more opportunities like this during the year.”