Leicester City stars unveil gym equipment at 'amazing' unit

Patson Daka, Harry Souttar and club ambassador Alan Birchenall joined staff to test out the equipment

Leicester City players Patson Daka and Harry Souttar have unveiled new gym equipment for patients at a mental health unit.

The pair visited the Bradgate Mental Health Unit, in Glenfield, after the club's charitable trust contributed £3,888 towards a multi-gym.

Staff at the NHS-run unit said the equipment was proving popular with patients.

"Coming here has been an eye-opener for me," Daka said.

"This is an amazing facility. The staff here do things that make a huge difference to people's lives.

"Everyone needs to take care of their physical and mental health."

'Very popular'

Gym instructor Mark Shenton said the £5,000 multi-gym was available to 150 inpatients to aid their mental health recovery.

"The multi-gym brings back a bit of normality to some people," he said.

"Exercise is very important. You are releasing endorphins and serotonin.

"If you do exercise it helps your motivation, your confidence, it helps you to be happier.

"The new equipment has been very popular. It's made a very big difference to our patients, motivating more of them to get fit and healthy and supporting patients with their recovery.

Mr Shenton thanked the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation, which was set up by the club in the name of City's former owner, for the donation.