Manchester United goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Senne Lammens brought some holiday cheer to Francis House Children’s Hospice during a visit on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
The first-team players from Manchester United arrived at the hospice in Didsbury bearing gifts for the seriously ill children and their families. They handed out United-themed presents such as scarves, hats, and calendars.
During their visit, Heaton and Lammens spent time with a group of children, their parents, and siblings in the hospice’s family lounge. They learned about the hospice’s services, including respite care and palliative care, which provide support for families with seriously ill children.
Bertille Chuipa, a mother of one of the children who regularly receives respite care at Francis House, expressed her gratitude for the players’ visit. “For the players to find the time to come and see people like Anderson, I think that is really important,” she said. “Having met them today, it’s a nice kick off for the Christmas period.”
Lammens also enjoyed spending time with the fans at Francis House. “We are grateful for what we do and the life we have, and it’s really nice to see all the happy faces,” he said. “It’s nice to give back to them as well because we also have a lot of support from them. It’s been an honour to be here.”
The players then moved on to Francis Lodge, the teenage and young adult wing at the hospice, where they were greeted by more than a dozen young people and hospice staff. One of the young people, Josh, who also receives respite care at Francis House, shared his excitement about meeting the players, saying, “It was a privilege to meet Senne and Tom. I’ve watched Manchester United from being a little boy, so it means a lot. It feels like an early Christmas present at this time of year. They gave us a bag with some gifts in, and I’m looking forward to opening it!”
After the visit, Heaton reflected on the impact that football can have on people’s lives. “These visits are a great reminder of how much football can impact people’s lives, and as a player, the responsibility to be a role model and to have an effect on people in a positive way,” he said. “Francis House does an incredible job supporting these families, so for us, we just came to meet some of the families and try to bring some festive cheer. There’s been an incredible atmosphere here, and it’s been an honour to be a part of.”
The visit, which is organized annually by the Manchester United Foundation, is enjoyed by families at Francis House, as well as children receiving treatment at nearby Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie Palatine Treatment Centre.
Sharon Doodson, the director of care at Francis House, expressed her gratitude to the Club for the visit. “It’s always such a joy when United come to visit,” she said. “Seeing our children, young people, and families light up with smiles and laughter, sharing their love of football with people they admire, is truly magical. Moments like these fill the hospice with warmth and leave memories that stay with them long after the day has ended.”
Francis House provides support to more than 435 families from across Greater Manchester. All of their services are given completely free of charge and include respite care, homecare, sibling support, end-of-life care, and emotional and bereavement support.
The hospice relies on donations to continue providing long-term support to the children, young people, and families they serve. To learn more about Francis House or make a donation, please visit www.francishouse.org.uk.
