It's been a tough season for Stoke City, as they struggle to stay afloat in the Championship after a poor start to this year's campaign. 

The Potters are currently sat 17th in the second tier standings, and will be hoping they can pull themselves further clear from the relegation zone at the earliest of opportunities.

One player that has been a regular in the Stoke team under Michael O'Neill is Danny Batth, with the defender making 36 appearances in all competitions this season.

Due to recent events, all footballing fixtures have been called to a halt until the 30th April at the earliest, although it remains to be seen as to whether the scheduled return date will still go ahead as originally planned.

Batth has made the heartwarming gesture in donating 300 food parcels to NHS staff at a hospital in Dudley, as they continue to tackle the off-the-field crisis head on.

Speaking in an interview with Stoke City's official website, Batth spoke out after this gesture, and revealed exactly why he wanted to help the staff at the hospital.

"NHS workers are the equivalent to our defence against this virus and so we owe it to them to do whatever we can to help.

"They have enough stress without worrying about getting essential food for themselves and their families, so I just felt I wanted to help.

"The parcels of food essentials are going to 300 staff on the coronavirus ward at the hospital. These are key workers who are fighting on the front line for the rest of us."

Batth and his Stoke City team-mates are due to return to action on the 2nd May, when they take on promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest, in what is certain to be a tough test for the Potters.

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The Verdict: 

This is a fantastic gesture from the Stoke defender.

The NHS are on the front line at the moment by trying to tackle the off-the-field problems head on, and this gesture will certainly not go unnoticed.

Batth will be hoping that he can play his part for Michael O'Neill's side in their survival bid when football does return, as they haven't been at their consistent best on enough occasions this term.

They've got a strong group of experienced players in that Stoke squad, and they'll be looking to confirm their Championship status for another season at the earliest of opportunities.