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Rangers Manager Philippe Clement and the First Team squad took time out yesterday (Tuesday 12 December 2023) to visit kids at the Royal Hospital for Children, sign autographs and hand out goodie bags.

The Manager and players also handed over a donation of £10,000 to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity from the Rangers Charity Foundation, which funded Christmas trees and decorations for the wards, and will also help to purchase a special MRI compatible Relax and View DVD system.

An MRI can be a very daunting for a young child.  Many 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 patients calm and engaged.

Connal Cochrane, Chief Executive of the Rangers Charity Foundation commented: “We are delighted to fund the specialist MRI compatible DVD player this year for the hospital. An MRI can be very stressful for children, with many loud and unpredictable noises and a sense of claustrophobia for the patient, so it will be really helpful to have a familiar movie or cartoon playing during the scan.”

“Of course, this year we have also continued our tradition of funding some of the Christmas decorations for the hospital, and Academy players and club and Foundation staff and volunteers went along to the hospital recently to help hang all the decorations and bring some Christmas cheer to the wards.”

Rangers Manager Philippe Clement commented: “This is my first experience of what I believe is an annual tradition for the Rangers team of visiting the Royal Hospital For Children in Glasgow.

“It was a wonderful afternoon, and it was great to chat to the children and their parents, as well as the NHS staff doing such an amazing job.

“On behalf of everyone at Rangers Football Club and the Rangers Charity Foundation, I would like to wish everyone at the hospital a very Merry Christmas.”

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 donation 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, and we sincerely appreciate this generous gift.”

The Foundation has enjoyed a special relationship with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for more than 20 years, with the Foundation donating cash, toys and equipment, supporting Christmas activities and organising special visits and treats for the children.