CHILDREN facing the prospect of Christmas in hospital were cheered up by some special visitors.

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman and assistant Kit Symons, along with several of the first team stars, took time out of their busy training schedule ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Fulham to visit children in three of the region’s hospitals.

Players met young patients on the children’s wards at Sunderland Royal Hospital, University of Durham Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle who are facing spending the holidays away fro family and friends.

The stars, along with chief executive Martin Bain and club ambassador Kevin Ball, brought gifts for the children and nursing staff and signed autographs for fans.

Black Cats’ skipper John O’Shea said: “We really look forward to these visits every year – it is a humbling experience.

“Being in hospital is never fun for anyone, especially for children, and even less so at Christmas time.

“As a squad we enjoy being able to get out into the community and visit the children and their families”.

He added: “Hopefully our visits go a little way to help the youngsters at what must be a difficult time for them and their families.”