Duncan Ferguson surprises inspirational Alder Hey key worker

Everton’s Assistant Manager Duncan Ferguson delivered a special surprise to an inspirational key worker at Alder Hey Hospital as part of the club’s 2020 Blue Crimbo campaign.

Lachlan Stark was nominated by his colleagues for his outstanding leadership during the coronavirus pandemic. The Everton Season Ticket Member received a surprise video call from Duncan Ferguson, thanking him and his team for all the work they do to keep patients and staff safe especially during the difficult lockdown periods.

Associate Chief Operating Officer Lachlan was one of Alder Hey’s Tactical Commanders in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and was central to implementing the arrangements during the second lockdown, as he continues to be involved in this vital piece of planning and logistical work.

Lachlan and his team have been working non-stop to ensure all COVID-19 processes and procedures are in place and up to date to keep the patients and staff at Alder Hey safe.

Lachlan’s colleagues praised him as, “a great leader who gives time to everyone who calls on him, offering calm, helpful support and guidance in these stressful times.”

During the call, Lachlan – originally from Dundee, where Ferguson started his professional career – revealed how it was thanks to Duncan that he became an Everton fan, moving from Scotland at the same time as the Everton icon joined the Blues.

Duncan Ferguson, Everton Assistant Manager, said:

“All NHS staff are heroes in my book, and it was good to speak to Lachlan and find out about the work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure people are cared for and kept safe in hospitals during the pandemic.

? | After an incredibly challenging year, staff at @AlderHey wanted to thank a key member of their team for keeping them safe.

So we arranged for Big Dunc to surprise Evertonian Lachlan Stark and do just that…

To everyone at Alder Hey, Merry Christmas! You are all heroes! ?

— Everton (@Everton) December 17, 2020

“Everyone knows how important Alder Hey is to this region. Lachlan’s a top guy doing some important work with a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. I could see how much he cares about what he is doing. His Everton knowledge is also top notch! It’s great to be helping our Club recognise just some of the heroes who are making a difference.

“Our fans have been brilliant throughout the pandemic, from contributing to our Blue Family campaign, to just looking out for each other – that’s what being part of Everton means, we’re a family – and Lachlan certainly shows that Everton spirit.”

Following his surprise call, Lachlan said: “I knew there was a virtual patient visit, but I was taken aback when I saw Duncan was there to talk to me! I’ve had a big smile on my face ever since.

“Everton is The People’s Club, and the way the Club and fans have come together through this pandemic has really proven to everyone exactly what that means. We look out for each other, especially when times are tough. Working in the NHS, that really strikes a chord with me.

“Everton is a very community-minded Club. With things like Everton in the Community and even the matchday foodbank collections, you get used to giving something back and looking out for each other. I’ve seen those positive behaviours develop in my own kids, as we all support the Club together.

“All the staff at Alder Hey really appreciate the Club reaching out to us. It has been a hard year, but we are committed to delivering excellent care for our patients. For Everton to acknowledge that means a lot. I’d just like to say thanks to Everton for reaching out, not just to fans but to the whole community.”

Everton’s Blue Crimbo campaign has been rewarding deserving Evertonians and Community heroes at Christmas time for a decade.

With support from First-Team players and staff, the Club has brightened the festive period for hundreds of people in that time, with this year’s campaign focused on those who have made a real difference during a challenging 2020.