Virgil Van Dijk brings festive cheer to families at Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey

Liverpool FC captain Virgil Van Dijk recently made a visit to Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey, spreading festive magic to families staying at the free ‘home away from home’ accommodation.

Among the surprises, the Dutch defender brought joy to 10-year-old Oliver, a lifelong Liverpool fan, and his family, who have relied on Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey for support during their most challenging times.

Oliver was a newborn baby when he was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a form of congenital heart disease affecting the heart’s structure and function due to abnormal development before birth. He had his first surgery when he was just ten days old, back in 2013.

While he was receiving hospital treatment, Oliver’s family received support from Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey, where they ended up staying three times over the course of ten years – including one stay over Christmas.

Liverpool captain and Ronald McDonald House Charities UK ambassador, Virgil Van Dijk said: 

“As a parent, it’s your worst nightmare to have a child in hospital. The idea of having to be separated from them at such a traumatic time is unthinkable.

“It was my pleasure to visit families at the Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey, and hearing about the lifeline the House plays for families every day, keeping them close by whilst children receive urgent treatment in hospital. 

“From the caring team of staff to the bedrooms and kitchen facilities, the House really has made a ‘home away from home’ for those living through their worst nightmare.

“Please do donate to this amazing charity via McDonald’s this Christmas, so the Charity can continue its work.”

The Alder Hey House was a haven during what was a very difficult time for Oliver’s family. They were able to always be minutes away from Oliver’s side and built a support network of families going through similar situations. The House saved Oliver’s family hundreds of pounds in travel and accommodation costs too.

Ronald McDonald House Charity UK provides free accommodation to families across the UK and abroad, giving them the chance to remain close to their child whilst they are in hospital.

The location of these Houses means that families can be by their child’s bedside in a matter of moments and maintain a degree of normality during very difficult times.

As a founding and forever partner, McDonald’s is the Charity’s biggest supporter and is celebrating having raised over £100m for the charity since 1989. This holiday season, the brand-new festive McCafé cups feature a QR code that allows customers to donate directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

Festive parties are taking place all over the UK, with each of the 14 Ronald McDonald Houses enjoying their own fun-filled occasion supported by the generosity of their local McDonald’s restaurant and crew. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK relies on the generosity of supporters and fundraisers, including McDonald’s customers, without whom it would be unable to continue its vital work. 

You can help fundraise this Christmas for the Charity by scanning the QR code on the festive McCafé cups, via donation boxes at the tills, rounding up your order at the kiosks as well as via the McDonald’s App.

Find out more about Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey here.

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