Sale Sharks players made a special visit to The Christie to deliver Christmas presents to young cancer patients. Mark Cueto, Andrew Sheridan, Matthew Tait, James Gaskell and Neil Briggs visited the teenage cancer unit to hand out shirts and gifts.

Cueto, a long-standing supporter of The Christie, said: "It was a real honour to visit the teenage cancer unit and a pleasure to hand out presents.

"We players face tough challenges on the rugby pitch but nothing compared to the challenges these youngsters face on a daily basis - they are truly inspirational."

Sheridan added: “If our visit can go some small way to putting a smile on their faces at Christmas then it is tremendously worthwhile.

"We hope this is the first step in a partnership between Sale Sharks and The Christie."

Young patient Adam Garswood, 13, got to meet the players and fulfil his dream of interviewing Cueto and Sheridan for Sky Sports News.

Sports fan Adam said: "It was really exciting and great to meet the players. I'm looking forward to seeing myself on TV."

Christie patient Nathan Grimes, 21, from Leigh, added; "It was amazing to meet the players. As a rugby fan, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the professionals." Tweet