The Blues squad took a break from preparing for this weekend’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League clash with Man City at Kingsmeadow to make the annual Christmas visit, handing out presents on the ward, as well as posing for pictures and signing autographs.

Skipper Magda Eriksson led the group at The Children’s Trust, which is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries and aims to give all children with brain injuries and neuro-disability the opportunity to live the best life possible, while Christmas presents were also sent to Kingston Hospital, which is located a short distance from Kingsmeadow.

The trip was organised by the Chelsea Foundation and the players were delighted to help raise the spirits of some of the young people at The Children’s Trust School.

Blues skipper Eriksson said: ‘We’ve been here at The Children’s Trust giving the children and teenagers some gifts, trying to give them a few smiles and chatting to them which has been a really good thing to do.

‘These things are really important for us as players to do and it makes you appreciate life.

‘We’ve heard different stories about the children today which has made us realise that things can happen and that you really need to enjoy the life you have.

‘It’s also a way for us to give back to them and put a smile upon their faces and that means a lot for us.

‘To bring some joy to their lives is massive for us and hopefully they’ll remember this day and they have enjoyed their time with us.’

The Swedish defender was among a group which included Vice-captain Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert and Bethany England and she spoke of the importance of those who look after the children at The Children’s Trust.

She added: ‘They do amazing work! You can really see the children are comfortable around them and you can see the bond that they have together is amazing.

‘They are the people that we should cherish the most. As football players, we are cherished but they are the people who should get all the recognition in the world because what they are doing is so important.’

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