Sheffield Wednesday players Akpo Sodje and Darren Purse have been appointed as ambassadors to The Children's Hospital, Sheffield.

The appointments are the latest in a line of partnerships to raise awareness of The Children's Hospital and it's charity following The Owls gifting the shirt sponsorship space to the facility.

As ambassadors, the two star players will help promote a number of initiatives, from fundraising projects to promoting healthy eating to supporters and making regular visits to see patients at the hospital.

Speaking of his new role, SWFC captain Darren Purse said: "I'm a father myself and having looked around the hospital, I was humbled by the stories of some of the patients and want to do everything that I can to help raise awareness of how fantastic the hospital is and the excellent work of the charity."

Owls striker Sodje added: ""Every time I come to the hospital I am amazed by how brave the children are, I just hope that we can raise the profile of the hospital and its charity even more and can relay just how important this partnership is back to our team mates."

Other duties the pair will undertake include keeping other team-mates updated about charity fundraising projects and making appearances along with team mates at charity events.

Simon Athey, Senior Fundraiser at The Children's Hospital Charity, said: "Having football players who are committed to our cause will be a fantastic asset for us. You only have to see Akpo and Darren on the hospital wards smiling and joking with our young patients and their families to realise what a positive effect these players have."

Supporters can find out more about The Children's Hospital, Sheffield, and it's charity at www.sheffieldchildrens.org.

Former Sheffield Wednesday players David Hirst and Phil King will be fundraising for The Children's Hospital Charity and the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme Charity by completing a coast-to-coast bike-ride this September, along with ex-Newcastle star John Beresford and a number of Wednesdayite directors and volunteers. For more information and to donate online, please click here.