AS THE most famous number 11 in world football stepped into the hospice yesterday to become a patron to its charity appeal, patients and staff alike could hardly contain their excitement.

But for one football-fanatic family in particular, meeting Ryan Giggs was a dream come true.

Helen Edwards, a daycare patient at the Millbank Drive-based charity, and her four soccer-loving lads met the Manchester United ace as he launched the hospice’s Capital Appeal and became a patron in the process.

Her eldest son, Jack Edwards, 15, said: "I was a bit nervous. You think you know the players because you see them so much on television, but when you see them it’s different. He’s definitely one of my favourites."

Helen, 39, said: "All the lads were playing football in the car park to show off before Ryan arrived, but I told them to come in because it was raining.

"It’s good that he will come in and support the hospice and view what goes on here. A lot of people are afraid of coming to hospice. I’ve been coming to daycare once a week for five years and it’s such a big part of my life. It would be amazing if the building could be completed."

Ryan chatted to patients as he toured the Millbank Drive facilities yesterday (Tuesday, October 15) after launching the new branding.

Speaking after his first ever visit, Ryan said: "It’s been great meeting everyone today. Seeing what is being done with the new building is really exciting and will no doubt benefit everyone involved. The next stage is moving on from the walk and I’m hoping to help out where I can."

Phil Robertshaw, fundraising and communications manager at ECH, said: "With Ryan’s visit, the Capital Appeal now has its own brand identity to help the public recognise future campaigns.

"It was mind-blowing when he met the young Edwards family. It’s not easy coming into the hospice and to deal with that with such grace is fantastic."

  • The Capital Appeal is aimed at raising £2.4million to fund a major three-phase new building development at the hospice.
  • See next week’s Macclesfield Express for more insight into Ryan Giggs' tour of East Cheshire Hospice.