Recently, Liverpool’s men’s squad made their annual Christmas visit to Alder Hey, meeting with patients, their families and staff to sprinkle a little festive magic.
Reds head coach Arne Slot made his first visit to Alder Hey, alongside his players and backroom staff, visiting wards and taking part in a very special meet and greet.
“If you look at how passionate the people are that work here, how much they want to help everyone over here, to give them the best possible time, it’s special to see,”
Arne Slot, Liverpool FC Manager
“We think we do something that is special or important, but we don’t – if you come to a place like this then you see what is really important and really special work to do.”
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk added: “For us to be here and to make these kids smile is such a good thing to do. I know it’s a nice surprise for all of them.
“Alder Hey is an amazing hospital with amazing people that work here. It’s a special place where obviously hopefully everyone gets better. To have the people working here being there for the people that are struggling, and the kids especially, it’s amazing what they do. I have a lot of respect for them.”
Gill Kennedy, celebrity, VIP and events manager at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “LFC’s Christmas visit is a real highlight in our calendar and such a fun and exciting day for our patients, families and staff.
“Being able to create special memories is so important, especially at this time of the year. Spending Christmas in hospital is a difficult prospect for many of our children, young people and their families, so having the opportunity to meet some of their favourite players brings a lot of happiness and big smiles. I’d like to thank LFC for their continued support.”