FORMER athlete Jason Gardener has wished young sick children at Frenchay Hospital a merry Christmas.

The Olympian sprinter visited the Barbara Russell, for children with all sorts of illnesses, on Wednesday (December 11). Jason, a gold medalist as part of the 100metres relay team in the 2004 summer Olympics, chatted to parents of patients and met with children who will be in hospital this Christmas.

The visit was organised by local charity Time is Precious, which raises money for parents’ facilities at Bristol Children’s Hospital and on the Barbara Russell ward, so mums and dads can spend as much time with their children as possible.

Jason said: “Time is Precious are a local charity and what they do is has such a real impact on the lives of children and their families.

“It’s been great to be able to come to Frenchay Hospital and see the difference it makes and the smiles on these faces.”