Rugby Stars Spreading Christmas Cheer
Bearing gifts from the police force and rugby life, Black Fern Charmaine Smith and Taniwha Dan Hawkins visited Whangārei Hospital Children's ward this morning, spreading Christmas cheer.
Two-year Lochie Hurley chatted away happily with the rugby stars, thoroughly enjoying all the beautiful gifts they had brought him.
"Never in my wildest dreams would I have been able to buy one of these jerseys," Claire Hurley offered.
"It was amazing, thank you so much Charmaine and Dan. It's made the hospital stay not so terrible and put a big smile on my little boy's face."
Fresh off the beat and celebrating a win against the Wallaroos in the women's rugby test recently, it was on top of Charmaine's mind to visit the children's ward while home in Whangārei.
"It's been nice to meet the children and their whānau and spread a little bit of joy," Charmaine said.
Parent and Taniwha Dan Hawkins recognised how grounding it can be when you visit unwell children.
"It was awesome to meet Mathew and Lochie, who, despite being unwell, gave us the biggest smiles,” acknowledge Dan.
Six-year-old Mathew Winter couldn’t contain his excitement when the duo came into his room.
He was particularly impressed with the sunglasses and stickers, happily giving Charmaine a high-five, and signing ‘thank-you’ with a big smile.
Before the pair left the ward, they gave the playroom staff some goodie bags for children who were not well enough for a visit today and popped back into see Lochie and Matthew to give them some goodie bags for their siblings at home.
(Left to right) – Black Fern Charmaine Smith, Claire Hurley with two-year Lochie and Taniwha Dan Hawkins
Black Fern Charmaine Smith gets a high-five from 6-year-old Mathew Winter with Taniwha Dan Hawkins looking on
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