Sheffield Wednesday player Chris Sedgwick has been given a very special new role as ambassador to The Children's Hospital, Sheffield.

Chris, who is from Sheffield and a lifelong Wednesdayite, will join club captain Darren Purse who became a hospital ambassador last year, in promoting The Children's Hospital Charity's fundraising projects and making regular visits to see patients on the wards.

Other duties the pair will carry out include keeping their team mates updated about charity fundraising projects and making appearances at charity events.

To mark the appointment, both players paid a visit to the hospital to find out how money raised from the unique partnership the Owls formed with the hospital and its charity last year has been spent. During the visit they surprised a number of young patients, giving out goodies and posing for pictures.

Speaking of his new role, Chris said: "Being from Sheffield and a dad myself, I have seen firsthand from visits with my kids the amazing care that The Children's Hospital has to offer young patients.

"After hearing the stories of some of the patients on the wards and some of the special projects funded by the charity, I want to do everything that I can to help raise awareness for this amazing facility, which we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep."

Simon Athey, Senior Fundraiser at The Children's Hospital Charity, said: "We are delighted that Chris has chosen to be an ambassador to the hospital and our charity. Darren and Chris were brilliant with the Children during their visit. There were lots of smiles and laughter and the children loved their gifts and having their photos taken with the pair.

He added: " We have already seen what a positive impact visits from the players have on our young patients so its wonderful that Chris will now be making regular visits to see us and have a greater role in supporting the fantastic work of the hospital."

Supporters can find out more about The Children's Hospital, Sheffield, and it's charity at: www.tchc.org.uk