Everton’s Seamus Coleman suprises inspirational Alder Hey nurse for Mother’s Day

An inspirational Alder Hey nurse was left stunned after being surprised at work by Everton’s Seamus Coleman.

Julia Roberts, 53, believed she was attending a meeting with hospital colleagues when she walked into the room to discover the Blues’ Club captain waiting with flowers.

Coleman also delivered the news to a visibly shocked Julia that, courtesy of Hill Dickinson, she and three guests had been gifted a VIP experience at Everton’s Premier League home match against Burnley.

Two years ago, Julia almost lost her life after falling ill with a serious bowel condition. After a major operation to remove her bowel, she spent three months in hospital and a longer period recovering at home. The passionate Evertonian now lives with a stoma bag but has refused to let it alter her life and has returned to her role at Alder Hey, where she has helped care for children for more than three decades.

Julia was nominated for the surprise by her daughter Beth in acknowledgement of her bravery in recovery and eagerness to return to the job she loves. Beth, Julia’s husband Gary and mother-in-law Edith all joined in the surprise at Alder Hey – bursting into the room just moments after Coleman had delivered the news of Julia’s VIP Mother’s Day prize.

Julia said:

“I was in absolute shock, it was crazy, walking in and seeing Seamus, such a great ambassador for the Club, and then realising it was for me, I couldn’t believe it.

“I don’t like praise or people talking about me – I hate it, to be fair. But hearing that it was my daughter who set it all up for me, and hearing her and Seamus say the lovely things they did, it honestly means the world.”

As part of the package provided by Hill Dickinson, Julia and a guest will also be invited to watch the Men’s Senior team train at an exclusive event later in the season.

“Mum has been through so much, she was really poorly, but she’s still everything for everyone and never puts herself first, ever,” said Beth. “Everyone I’ve ever spoken to about my mum loves her, and I think that’s something to be proud of.

“She deserves everything and she loves Everton. I think me and my brother Tom spent our entire childhoods going to the games and watching Everton – every day had something Everton in it. Seeing her face and how surprised she was, it was amazing.”

As well as dining in one of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s Premium restaurants, Julia’s evening saw her meet two of her Everton heroes in Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin and chat with both James Tarkowski and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall just hours before the pair both struck to secure a comfortable 2-0 win for the Toffees.

“My own mum was the biggest Blue and I’ve sort of walked in her footsteps to be fair, and all my family are Evertonians too,” said Julia.

“To meet everyone we did, to have that experience – and to see us win – it’s something I’ll never forget.”

On being the special messenger to deliver Julia’s surprise, Coleman said: “You could see after the tough years she’s had what Everton means to her. To get the opportunity to go to a game, you could see it meant the world.

“I was speaking to some of her colleagues and they all speak so highly of her and how much she loves her job, so that says a lot about her as well. 

“I’m happy to play my part. It was very special for me as well to see how much it all meant to her.”

Andrew Craggs, head of health at Hill Dickinson, added:

“Despite being a lifelong Everton fan and going to many of last season’s games at Goodison, Julia hadn’t yet had the opportunity to attend a match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Beth and her family told us how much she would love to experience a game at the Club’s new home and we’re pleased she helped bring the team three points.

“Her story is one of courage, selflessness and quiet heroism – making a difference to so many lives in the way only the NHS can. It was our pleasure to bring her a special early Mother’s Day treat.”

Find out more on the Everton FC website.

Find out what’s on at Hill Dickinson Stadium this Easter here.

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