Leicester Tigers stars Tom Youngs, Sione Kalamafoni, Fred Tuilagi and Ross McMillan visited Leicester Royal Infirmary to help open a new treatment room for cancer patients on Wednesday.

The players met patients and staff at the hospital as part of the opening of a new therapy room on the Children’s Day Care Unit (CDCU) at the city’s main hospital.

Tom Youngs was on hand to cut the ribbon to officially open the room, which helps the on-going treatment of patients with cancer through sensory relief and massage therapy. 

Club sponsor Thomas Cook Sport and the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity helped to support the development of the accident and emergency ward at the hospital and worked with Leicester Tigers to arrange the player visit. 

The players also visited the Children’s Outpatients Ward and Children’s Accident and Emergency meeting patients and staff, handing out Tigers goodies and posing for photographs.

Yvonne Sarroukh, a nurse and massage therapist on the CDCU Ward 27, said: “We had this idea quite a few years ago from a lady who had set-up a complimentary therapy room. Lots of people have helped and supported us to get here in terms of charitable funds and funding.

“It’s going to make a huge difference in the lives of our patients because they are on a very difficult journey and being able to offer an alternative to medical intervention - it’s not a curative, but it helps make patients relax and gives them that time away.

“It’s going to be a huge asset to Ward 27 at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and thank you to every supporting and coming along for the official opening and part of this special day for us all.”

The Tigers squad also make annual visits to see patients at Leicester hospitals during the Christmas period.