BVB visit the Dortmund Clinic every single year, an experience that always allows other concerns to be forgotten about, at least for the moment: This traditional event took place for the 21st time today during Advent.

The team, led by manager Peter Stöger and with plenty of black and yellow gifts under their arms, surprised the young, and in some cases seriously ill children in their rooms within the children's clinic. As part of the visit, they went to Station K41: "This is where we treat children and young people with leukaemia or malignant tumours", explained Clinic Director Prof. Dr. Dominik Schneider.

The children were beaming on this particular day, and got themselves some hugs and some autographs. "It is and remains for us a matter of the heart", stressed team captain Marcel Schmelzer, who was participating in this most important of events for the tenth time.

"To see them laughing and smiling is something really special", said midfield player Marco Reus. The 28-year-old has been supporting the clinic's parents meetings as a private project for a long time already: "It is important for me to give something back." During their visit, the senior team players also took a look at the new Children's MRI Scanner. (br)