Everton Men’s Senior Team continued an annual tradition when they headed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital this week to spread festive cheer.
Blues boss Sean Dyche joined Club captain Seamus Coleman at the world-renowned medical facility, along with 16 other Toffees, including the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Garner, Beto, Jack Harrison, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Nathan Patterson.
Meeting with patients, parents and staff, players wore blue Christmas hats as they spent the afternoon handing out gifts and enjoying the festive fun.
Meanwhile, more Everton players visited other children across Merseyside. Don’t miss Everton Club channels this week for video and images from their trips.
Coleman, who has been with the Blues since 2009, recognises the importance of the Club’s visits to Alder Hey, and revealed the squad were all looking forward to a memorable day.
“The sentiment behind it remains the most important thing,” said Coleman. “It genuinely is a day we love and look forward to, and the lads couldn’t wait to get down here today.
“The families are delighted to see us, as well, and the kids are happy, too. It’s what Christmas is about.
“It has always been a special day. The past 15 years of me being here, it’s always been a day I can remember and a day I’ve looked forward to.
“It’s a day of many emotions – obviously, a very happy day to put smiles on the kids’ faces. Today, especially, we’re seeing some kids who’ve had a tough year. I think Liverpool as a city in general look after each other, and it’s something I know we take great pride in, and rightly so.”
Alder Hey provides vital care for more than 330,000 children and young people each year, making it one of Europe’s biggest children’s hospitals, where staff treat everything from common illnesses to specialist conditions.
The local facility has forged strong links with the Club’s official charity, Everton in the Community, which runs regular activities at the hospital.
“It’s so important the Club takes part,” added Coleman. “I think our club above many clubs is so good in thinking of others who need some help. Everton in the Community, for example, is massive.
“Something like today is something we take very seriously, and we really enjoy coming down to see the kids. It’s a special day in the calendar for us.”
