Liverpool players brighten up young patients’ day

Dec 15 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Eight years old Jack Gallagher with David Martin, Sebastian Leto, Xabi Alonson, Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin.

THE Liverpool FC squad and manager Rafael Benitez took time out from preparing for tomorrow’s crucial match with Manchester Utd to visit Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for their annual Christmas visit to sick young patients.

The players, who personally pay for the presents they hand out, split into groups and visited all the wards in the hospital so no child missed out.

Favourites including Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher spent an afternoon signing autographs and chatting to the children.

“This is something we do every year and I think it’s really important that the lads come here and do what we can for these kids at this time of year,” said Irish defender Steve Finnan.

“Obviously some of them will get out before Christmas but others will be in hospital over the holiday period and it’s nice that we’ve been able to come here today and put smiles on their faces.

“It’s a difficult time for them being in hospital but if us coming along and giving them a present from the club cheers them up and makes them happy then that makes it all worthwhile for us.”

Alder Hey’s fundraising manager Christine Done said the appearance of manager Rafael Benitez went down particularly well with the children as it was the first time he had made a festive visit to the hospital.

Pepe Reina and Harry Kewell also proved favourites.

Christine said: “It is fantastic that the team take the time out of their schedules to spend the afternoon at Alder Hey. It’s great, and we really appreciate their support.”

Dutch player Ryan Babel said: “It’s a really emotional experience. If we can give these kids the inspiration and faith to help with their healing then that’s great.

“These kids have dreams as well and even though they’re in hospital at the moment, hopefully they’ll soon be able to get out and realise their ambitions.”

Striker Dirk Kuyt, whose son was admitted to Alder Hey’s children’s ward shortly after his birth just recently, was full of praise for the hospital. “I have experience of this hospital and I’ve been here a few times before,” he said.

“I know how good it is and how important it is for this area. They do wonderful things for these children.

“It’s great that we can walk into the ward and help the kids forget about their problems for a while.”

Other players taking part in the visit included Sami Hyypia, Javier Mascherano, John Arne Riise, Xabi Alonso, Andriy Voronin and Momo Sissoko.

SPORT: PAGES 30-32

vickyanderson