Newcastle United and England defender Dan Burn visited Blyth Community Hospital’s children’s outpatient department after donating to Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity.

Burn, who has aspirations of featuring for England at this summer’s World Cup, played 90 minutes on Sunday for Newcastle United as they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

A draw in their penultimate away game of the season wasn’t the ideal result for the Magpies, who return to St James’ Park for the final time this season on Sunday when they host relegation-threatened West Ham.

Ahead of his trip to Nottingham this weekend, though, Burn took time out of his schedule to visit Blyth Community Hospital after making a donation to Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity which funded a colourful gaming room, with gaming equipment, a large screen television and some gaming chairs.

Dan Burn visited Blyth Community Hospital’s children’s outpatient department after donating to Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity.

placeholder image — Dan Burn visited Blyth Community Hospital’s children’s outpatient department after donating to Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity.

Speaking about his visit, Burn said: “It’s great to be back at the hospital.

“After chatting with some children, it is really good to hear that the gaming room is making a difference to them and helping them to feel more comfortable about being in a hospital environment. I’m just pleased nobody asked me to play as I haven’t been on a gaming console for a while!”

Burn left his mark on the gaming room by signing ‘keep smiling’ on the wall alongside his signature.

He was on the outpatient unit for about an hour and brightened people’s day by having photos taken with them, signing shirts and giving out signed cards.

Gemma Barrington, fundraising manager for Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, said: “It is the generosity of supporters and donors, like Dan, that enables the charity to do lots of different projects, including improving our hospital environments for patients. This helps to improve patient experience. It was great to welcome him to our hospital in Blyth, and we thank him so much for what he has enabled us to do and for his kindness and time.”

The former Fulham and Darlington defender last visited Blyth Community Hospital a year and a half ago to officially open the newly refurbished children’s outpatient and adult’s inpatient wards.