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Western Power Distribution (WPD) has combined with Cardiff City Football Club to provide children’s charity Barnardo’s Cymru with a Christmas cracker of a treat.

For the last four years staff based at WPD’s Lamby Way and Ty Coch offices have bought Christmas presents for local children under the care of Barnardo’s, who otherwise wouldn’t ordinarily receive anything.

But after speaking to Cardiff City FC, the children have been given an extra special surprise, with the club agreeing to donate 20 tickets to Barnardo’s Cymru’s Marlborough Road Partnership in Cardiff for the forthcoming fixture against Reading at Cardiff City Stadium on 2nd January 2012.

WPD’s David Towler, who organises the Barnardo’s Christmas present appeal explains, ”Over the last few years staff have bought presents for children associated with Barnardo’s, from new-born babies to teenagers.

“Despite being very well supported, occasionally, we may be short of a few gifts and it’s usually the teenage boys that miss out.

“Being a massive Cardiff City fan, I couldn’t think of anything better than to see if the club could give these teenage boys a few tickets for a match or maybe a day trip to the training ground.

Season-ticket holder David contacted Julian Jenkins, Cardiff City FC’s Director of International Marketing and Special Projects, and was delighted with the response.

“I thought there was no harm in asking, but I didn’t expect that within 10 minutes I would have a reply back from Julian saying that he would be delighted to help.  I was thrilled, especially considering it’s the Reading match, traditionally the New Year’s game is the biggest of the season with regards to attendances, so for them to donate us 20 tickets was amazing,” said David.

Cardiff City FC’s Julian Jenkins said: “We are proud to help such a worthwhile charity and we look forward to seeing the children at the Reading game.”

Carloine O’Shaunghnessy, Barnardo’s Cymru’s Head of Children’s Services, said: “Some of these children will have never been to a football match before, so this should be a real treat for them.  I’m very grateful to WPD and Cardiff City FC for arranging this.  WPD have been brilliant to our service users and the support they have given us has been magnificent.”