Blue Heaven at hospital as Everton visit young patients

Dec 19 2007 By Alex Bell, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton's visit to Alder Hey

DAVID MOYES and his in-form Everton squad took time out of their busy schedules to drop in on some special guests at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital yesterday.

The manager and his squad, who are unbeaten in 12 games, visited both the children in care and their parents, handing out gifts to boost Christmas spirit amongst the sick patients.

Among those who made the tour were goalkeeper Tim Howard, top goal scorer Yakubu, Phil Carsley, Mikel Arteta, Tony Hibbert, James McFadden, Joleon Lescott, and Steven Pienaar – all accompanied by a Father Christmas dressed in Everton’s colours.

Club captain Phil Neville was in a unique position to appreciate the work done by nurses caring for children.

His daughter Isabella, three, needed neo-natal intensive care after being born in Manchester weighing just 3lbs 3ozs.

He said: “I think in terms of personal appearances by the players, this is one of the best. It makes a lot of sick children happy. We like to put a smile on their face. It is not just them but the parents and the nurses. The nurses work incredibly hard and it is nice we can make them happy at this time of year.

“We do enjoy these visits, but we do find them hard emotionally because we have all got children ourselves, and at this time of year you want to be at home with your family.

“I think everybody was happy today when we took the presents and the toys – they all had a smile on their faces.”

Josh Coleman, 12, a Liverpool fan, was jokingly dressed in Everton colours by the players who covered his Liverpool bedding with blue scarves and t-shirts which left everyone, including Josh, amused.

Alder Hey’s fundraising manager Christine Done said: “We are delighted that the players could stop their busy schedule, with all the training and games they are playing.

“It was a great visit and they are very good with the children. We really appreciate it and do not take it for granted, it’s a great boost for everyone.”

Everton defender Leighton Baines said: “It was quite an emotional experience really and having children myself it hits home how lucky we are. It is difficult to see them and I can only imagine how hard it is for their parents – it is good to be able to put a smile on their faces.

“It was good to brighten up their day even though it was only for a little while.

“The first ward we went into all the kids had an Everton shirt on and a few of them got to meet their favourite players. It just makes a difference if only for a day – it makes their parents’ job a little bit easier.”

The wards the players visited included oncology, intensive care Unit and the high dependency unit.

The visit came just four days after close rivals Liverpool FC also toured the hospital.