The Borussia Dortmund squad paid a visit to the children's hospital in Beurhausstraße on Tuesday afternoon. The young patients were visibly delighted to see the Black & Yellows.

For Thomas Delaney, it's "one of the most important dates in the calendar" – but one of the toughest too. Borussia Dortmund have been visiting the hospital annually for the past 20 years. "Even though it's not always easy, I'm always happy to do this," said Delaney. The BVB players and mascot EMMA spread themselves out across several wards in the hospital, handing out Black & Yellow gifts and taking time to chat and pose for photos with the patients, who – for a brief moment at least – were able to put their health problems to the back of their minds. 

You will find the best images from the hospital visit in the picture gallery above.