The Big Christmas Toy and Hamper Collection is a major feature of the long-standing partnership.

The UK’s leading builders’ merchant has joined forces with Northampton Saints’ rugby stars to give hospital patients a reason to smile this Christmas.

The collaboration between Travis Perkins and Northampton Saints saw hundreds of gifts donated to children and elderly patients who are spending the festive period at Northampton General Hospital.

The Big Christmas Toy and Hamper Collection is a major feature of the long-standing partnership between Saints and Travis Perkins, which has its head office in Northampton.

The initiative saw Saints fans donate toys and food at their Investec Champions Cup clash with Vodacom Bulls at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

Presents have also been donated across four Travis Perkins branches throughout December, as well as its head office on Lodge Farm Industrial Estate.

The gifts were taken to the Disney and Paddington Children’s Wards at Northampton General Hospital, as well as the Allebone Ward for patients who have suffered a stroke.

Six Saints players – club captain George Furbank, Chunya Munga, Tom Pearson, JJ van der Mescht, Robbie Smith and Ed Prowse – attended the hospital visit along with Travis Perkins’ Programme Director James How and Regional Director Roger Clayton.

Munga, who plays as a lock for Saints, said: “It was extremely humbling to go around the wards and visit people of all ages who are facing a difficult time this Christmas.

“It’s the second year I’ve done the hospital visit but it doesn’t get any less rewarding. There’s nothing better than playing a small part in bringing a little joy to children and adults who are, in many cases, extremely sick.

“It’s something I look forward to doing and hopefully it brings some happiness for those preparing to be in hospital this Christmas.”

From the gifts received, donations have also been made to the Northampton Children’s Trust, which supports more than 6,000 disadvantaged children and their families across the wider Northampton area.

James How, Programme Director at Travis Perkins, said: “It is a privilege for us, alongside Northampton Saints, to be heavily involved in the toy appeal, especially during the festive season which is such a family-oriented time of year.

“Saints’ players are such huge role models and heroes for young people in the area and for them to come into hospital and present gifts to the children was a huge morale boost. It wasn’t just the patients, it also brought smiles to the parents and the staff at the hospital.

“This is the 12th year of the Big Christmas Toy and Hamper Collection, and it is one of the highlights of our partnership with Northampton Saints. We feel very privileged to spread some festive cheer to those having a difficult time at this time of year.”