Sale Sharks and England internationals, Ben and Tom Curry, took time away from the pitch recently to pay a visit to an inpatient at St Ann’s Hospice, in Greater Manchester.

The rugby twins surprised Charles McNamara, a former Wythenshawe Community Rugby Club chairman.

Mr McNamara, who was diagnosed with a form of pulmonary fibrosis more than five years ago, has been at St Ann’s for several weeks.

Pulmonary fibrosis, described by St Ann's Hospice as a family of diseases, causes lung scarring that can block the transfer of oxygen in and out of the lungs, and is a life-shortening disease.

Mr McNamara said meeting the brothers was a "lovely surprise" which left him "smiling all day."

He said: "I have season tickets for the Sale Sharks games.

"I was delighted with the visit; it meant a lot to me to see the two boys."

Mr McNamara has not been able to attend any Sale Sharks games this season due to his condition.

Greg Kelly, community fundraiser at St Ann’s Hospice, said: "It’s fantastic to see two sports stars of Ben and Tom’s calibre visiting an inpatient at St Ann’s.

"These visits can make such a difference to the mood of our patients.

"The Curry brothers no doubt have a busy schedule, so for them to take time out of their day would mean so much to patients like Charles and their families."

The Curry brothers also presented Mr McNamara with a Sale Sharks jersey signed by the team.