Kurt Gidley and the Knights spread Christmas cheer

Captain of the Hunter Ports Newcastle Knights, Kurt Gidley, took time out of pre-season training to visit Darrell Hannan, a passionate Knights member, in Kurri Kurri Hospital. This was a huge surprise to Darrell and brightened his spirits hugely.

“It’s great to support the people that support us” Gidley said, “I had a chat with Darrell about the upcoming season and wished him a speedy recovery”

As part of Kurt’s Captain’s Foundation initiative, he goes above and beyond in his personal time to support Newcastle Knights members and to do what he can in the local community.

Also receiving a visit this week was Patty Smith, a diehard Newcastle Knights member, who although unable to attend games herself still purchases a season ticket every year.

Patty, who is over 90 years old, took a tumble at home and found herself in the John Hunter Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation. Knights’ players Jarrod Mullen and James McManus, paid Patty a surprise visit and spent some quality time with her on the ward.

“This has absolutely made my day”, said Patty, “I can’t believe it, what a wonderful surprise. Go the Knights!”

Fingers crossed both Darrell and Patty get out of hospital soon and back to enjoying their beloved Knights.

In other news, Knights’ players Chris Houston and Alex McKinnon were out in the community visiting one of our younger fans. Olivia has only recently lost her father to cancer and she had wanted to cheer herself up by buying a signed Knights jersey at auction - only to be outbid.

Upon hearing this, Newcastle Knight Chris Houston and local businessman Noel McFarlane (Noel McFarlane Real Estate) got together to buy Olivia a signed, framed Knights jersey for Christmas.

The pair, along with Alex McKinnon, surprised Olivia yesterday with a very special Christmas gift.

“Olivia missed out on a Knights jersey at an auction, and Noel & I were more than happy to help fix that”, said Chris Houston.