CLUB NEWS

07/03/2014 09:34, Report by Gemma Thompson

Manchester United defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand made a special visit to Francis House Children's Hospice on Thursday to deliver some gifts donated by the first-team squad.

The pair brought three PlayStation 4s, as well as some extra controllers to the delight of the kids.

The visit coincided with the finishing touches being added to a new £3.5million seven-bedroom extension at the Didsbury site. The players met with families of the young people with life-limiting conditions at the hospice and heard how they will benefit from extra nights of respite care when the new-build opens in April.

The event was organised by Manchester United Foundation, which manages the club's relationship with the children's hospice; a partnership that has raised £666,887 over the past seven years. 

The players spent time posing for photographs before tackling a series of light-hearted matches on Fifa 14 - Manchester United vs Manchester United - with hospice users Christian Darlington and Patrick Kelly.

"As players we really enjoy being able to visit places like Francis House and the club has a great relationship with the hospice," said Ferdinand. "The lads enjoy seeing the smiles on the kids' faces as well as meeting the families who receive such great support and care.

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