Boxer Charlie Flynn spends time with patients and families at Yorkhill Children's Hospital

Professional boxer and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn met some brave young fighters this week when he visited Yorkhill Hospital.

The former postman handed over a donation for £5,000 from Childrens’ Aid to Yorkhill Children’s Charity and spent time painting, playing and sparring with the young patients.

Charlie’s donation will help Yorkhill Children’s Charity invest in world class medical equipment, research, innovative play programmes and family support services to ensure that every child treated at Yorkhill receives the best possible treatment and care.

During his visit, Charlie said: “I’ve spent the day on the wards here at the hospital playing with the kids, and they really are inspirational. Their backs are against the ropes, but they are so happy. Their fights are tougher than anything I’ve ever faced.”

Thanks to Charlie’s donation, we’ll be able to invest in more projects that help the 160,000 children

Childrens’ Aid is a charity run by a small group of Glasgow businessmen who have raised over £3 million for Scottish children's charities through its annual question of sport dinners throughout the country, and have supported Yorkhill for a number of years.

Kirsten Sinclair, head of fundraising at Yorkhill Children’s Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Charlie Flynn and Childrens’ Aid.

“Our patients will often spend many weeks or months in hospital, and Charlie’s visit really helped to bring smiles and laughter to the wards. Thanks to Charlie’s donation, we’ll be able to invest in more projects that help the 160,000 children who are treated at Yorkhill each year.”

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children celebrated its centenary last year and will move this summer to a new location at the Southern General.