England international Ellis and England Saxons cap Blaze posed for photographs, signed autographs and toured the wards to help lift spirits while also distributing Leicester Tigers pencil cases to the patients and families in both hospitals.
“We are lucky to be paid for playing rugby, which is something we love, but we can’t forget those who are less fortunate,” said Ellis, capped 22 times by England and now in his eighth season as a Tigers first-teamer.
“Rugby is a big family sport and we hope that by coming to the hospitals we can help put a few smiles on faces for the children and their parents as well as the staff.
“It is great to see people in such high spirits in what must be difficult situations. We enjoyed our day and we hope all of the people we met did too.”
There was a surprise for 12-year-old Ethan Ananda-Rajan in Derby, who received a visit from the players just 24 hours after picking up an injury playing for his school team.
Ethan’s father Rohan, a Tigers supporter, said: “It was lovely to see the players here, they came in and had a few words with Ethan. I’m sure he’ll be straight back on the rugby field next week.”
Twelve-year-old Kim Hoskins, who lives in Derby and competes for Derby Athletics Club, posed for a photo with Blaze, with both of them boasting a set of crutches after recent injuries.
“Kim can’t wait to get back into training and it is frustrating when you cannot do what you want to do,” said her mum Sarah. “But it made a nice change to the routine to bump into a couple of the Tigers players here.”
Blaze felt right at home in Birmingham, where his family are based, and said: “I’ve enjoyed the trip round the hospitals, the families we have seen have been great and the children seem to have enjoyed it too. It’s nice to feel you have played a part in putting a bit of a smile on their faces.”
