​RAMS fan Bradley Simmonds has been in and out of Derbyshire Children’s Hospital ever since he was born but his current stay included an exciting visit yesterday.

That is because the 12-year-old, who has the life-limiting condition cystic fibrosis, got to meet an array of Derby County players on the ward.

Delighted Bradley, who has been in hospital for two weeks, collected autographs and had his photograph taken with the first-team players as they made their annual Christmas visit.

 And Bradley cut the ribbon opening three newly-decorated teenage bedrooms and a chill-out area after winning a competition in 2008 to name the area.

 He called it ‘Teen Pride’, a name which has been in use ever since and one which Bradley chose to show how “nice” the hospital and its staff were.

 Before having his photo taken with centre-half Shaun Barker, he said: “I’ve always missed the players when they’ve visited before. It was exciting to meet them.”

Mum Sally, of Ashbourne, added: “He’s dedicated to Derby County. He’s got a Rams-themed bedroom.

“He’s been in and out of hospital ever since he was born. He was spent his first seven months here, fighting for his life.”

Barker said hearing stories like Bradley’s made him grateful for everything he had.

 He said: “It makes you appreciate how lucky you are to be healthy and well and at home with your family at Christmas.

 “The team has to go to quite a lot of official engagements and I can honestly say that, of all of them, this is the one that the boys enjoy the most.

“We’ve spoken to the kids and also signed autographs for those who work hard day in, day out, so it’s nice for both sides of the hospital, patients and staff.”

Other excited young patients included Sirran Green, 10, of Scott Drive, Somercotes, who was suffering from appendicitis and was not due to go home until Christmas Day morning.

 Mum Danielle said: “It’s a lovely treat to see all the players. It’s really brightened her day up.

“She’s not very happy to be in hospital but she’s not very well. With it being almost Christmas, I didn’t want to have to bring her in.”

And Lauren Hamilton, 11, of Oakwood, enjoyed a break from treatment of epilepsy, which was only recently diagnosed and has resulted in her being hospitalised five times in the past few weeks.

 Dad Kevin, 31, said the players’ visit was a welcome relief during a difficult time.

 He said: “It’s great to see the kids’ faces light up. We knew the players had been to the hospital previously but we were really surprised when the nurse came round in the morning to say they would be visiting while we were here.”

He also welcomed the opening of the new Teen Pride area and said: “The chill-out room is somewhere different for the kids to go rather than being stuck in a bed on a ward.”

Teen Pride II was launched earlier this year to raise £20,000 for the bedrooms and chill-out area.

 It followed the original £40,000 Teen Pride fund-raising campaign, which paid for a new reception area just for teenagers and partially covered the costs of the latest work.

 Speaking after Bradley cut the ribbon, chief executive of Derby Hospitals Julie Acred said it was a “pleasure” to be there, adding: “It’s a remarkable achievement”.

 The Teen Pride charitable fund remains open. To make a donation, contact Kerry Wood on Derby 786445.

kliptrot@derbytelegraph.co.uk