Everton First Team spread Christmas cheer at Alder Hey

Christmas cheer spread through Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Wednesday the Everton first team squad made their annual festive visit to spend time with patients and their families.

Moyes, Men’s team coach Leighton Baines, Club captain Seamus Coleman and winger Jack Grealish headed to the wards to meet and hand out gifts to youngsters who are currently undergoing treatment, or facing the prospect of spending the festive period in hospital.

Meanwhile, the rest of the squad joined a special Christmas party for Evertonians who have been patients at the West Derby facility throughout the past 12 months.

The players arrived armed with gifts for each child, before making sure no-one in the room was left without a selfie, autograph or video message.

Defender Michael Keane said:

“It’s my eighth or ninth time of visiting Alder Hey at Christmas time now and it’s always something we look forward to as a squad.

“These families have had a lot of really tough times, especially the kids, and you always come away having been told what a difference it makes to them.

“One kid just said to me, “this is better than Christmas Day!”. So anything you can do like this as a footballer, it’s very special and important, and we’re happy to be here to see everyone.”

Youngsters at the party lined up to take shots at goalkeepers Mark Travers and Harry Tyrer, as the duo’s outfield team-mates crowded round to cheer them on, while other activities included festive arts and crafts, table games and basketball.  

The party, which has become an annual event, allows the hospital and Club’s Fan Engagement team to work together to bring back patients who have had a challenging time throughout the year and ensure they, too, receive the lift of meeting their Blues heroes at this special time.

Keane added:

“There’s a great atmosphere, as always. The kids are obviously excited but it’s also important that we get to speak with the parents, who will have had difficult years and may even be here in the hospital with their little ones for Christmas. And the staff, too, who do incredible things every day.”

Alder Hey remains one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals, treating everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions.

Find out more about Alder Hey here.

Find out whats on at Hill Dickinson Stadium this Christmas here.

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