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Rangers Academy players and Foundation and Club staff volunteered to decorate the Royal Hospital For Children for the festive season as part of the Foundation’s partnership with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

The youth players, staff and volunteers helped to bring some festive cheer to the wards by trimming Christmas trees and hanging decorations throughout the hospital.

The Foundation has pledged to raise £10,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity this season and part of those funds will pay for the Christmas decorations, with the remainder going towards a special MRI compatible Relax and View DVD system for use within the Royal Hospital for Children.

An MRI can be a very daunting for a young child, with many loud and unpredictable sounds.  The experience can cause claustrophobia, stress and boredom as the patient is required to lie perfectly still inside the MRI machine for a long period of time, which is very difficult for young children.

Many children need a general anaesthetic to ensure they remain still for the scan, which can mean a stay of up to 3 days in hospital. However, the Relax and Renew DVD Player can help avoid a general anaesthetic by keeping them calm, less fidgety and engaged.

Kirsten Watson, Chief Executive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: “We want to extend our sincere thanks to the Rangers Charity Foundation once again for their ongoing support.

“Their generous donation towards the decorations will bring the joy of Christmas to the hospital wards this Christmas season.

“Their additional pledge towards funding a specialist DVD player for the MRI machine will significantly transform what can often be a daunting experience for children.

“This tangible support makes a direct impact on the well-being of children in hospital.”

The Foundation has enjoyed a special relationship with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for the last 20 years.

The partnership has seen the Foundation donate cash, toys and equipment, supporting Christmas activities and organising special visits and treats for the children.

Foundation Chief Executive, Connal Cochrane, said: “I’d like to thank the Rangers Academy youth players, Foundation and Club staff and volunteers for coming along today and hanging the decorations. We hope this will spread some Christmas cheer to the children and hospital staff.

“We have such a special relationship with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and are proud to give our support to their work.

“The MRI compatible DVD player will make a huge difference to the experience and comfort of many children, particularly oncology patients who require regular scans.