Charlton Athletic players visit Demelza South East London

Some of the men’s first team were joined by women’s team players for their annual visit to the hospice in Wensley Close, Eltham, yesterday.

Charlton has a long tradition of visiting Demelza at Christmas to take presents to the children and spend time with them and their families.

Striker Matty Godden was touched by the visit as he has his own personal experience of hospices.

He said: “My mum was in a hospice and the care that’s provided is just incredible.

“It’s the first time I’ve come to a children’s hospice – places like this always amaze me. It puts everything into perspective.

“It was really nice to come and visit in the run up to Christmas and bring some joy.”

The players met four children who are supported Demelza as well as some of their siblings and family members.

Thirteen-year-old Hallie is supported by Demelza and she and her family are huge Charlton fans so were delighted to meet the team.

Left winger for the women’s team, Jodie Hutton, said the site wasn’t really what she had expected, but in a good way.

She said: “You might think it’s going to be quite a sad place and it’s the opposite.

“It’s so nice to see the kids playing and lovely to make them smile.”