Players bring festive cheer to local children's wards

Our players made our traditional visits to local hospitals today to deliver presents and bring festive spirit to children’s wards.

Members of our first team and Under-23 squads were joined by players from Spurs Ladies to spread some joy during this tough time of year for patients and their families. Legendary former skipper Ledley King and midfielder Ryan Mason were also in attendance.

Players dropped into the wards at Barnet Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, Princess Alexandra in Harlow, Whipps Cross in Leytonstone and Whittington in Archway.

Moussa Sissoko, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, Charlie Freeman, Jamie Reynolds and Rianna Dean handed out gifts at Barnet.

Jan Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga, Kazaiah Sterling and Sophie McLean visited North Middlesex while Ryan Mason was joined by Oliver Skipp, Tariq Hinds, Jonathan Dinzeyi and Renee Hector at Harlow.

Ledley King, Fernando Llorente, Jack Roles, Brandon Austin and Chloe Morgan were at Whipps Cross while skipper Hugo Lloris was joined by Mousa Dembele, Tashan Oakley-Boothe, TJ Eyoma and Spurs Ladies captain, Jenna Schillaci, at Whittington.

Moussa Sissoko visited Barnet and said: "It's so important that we visit the children in the hospitals. For us, it's a lesson. We are lucky, we have one of the best jobs in the world and even then, sometimes we complain about silly things. Then you come to a hospital and you meet the kids and you realise how lucky we all are. So it's fantastic to come here, fantastic to have some great moments with them and try to give them something to smile about.

"I have two children so I know how this must feel for the parents. To see your children in hospital is not a good feeling, especially at this time of year. Life is like that so if we can come here and spend some time with them and give them all a little pleasure, then everyone is happy. We will pray for them all to get well as soon as possible."

There was a particularly special reunion in Harlow as Renee recognised one of the patients who she first met during last year's visits.

Ledley said: “Our Christmas Hospital visits are something we have done at the Club for many years – it’s something I always enjoyed doing when I was a player and it is important for me to be able to join our current players to continue this long-running tradition.

"It never fails to amaze me the impact a group of players can have on a Children’s Ward – to the patients, parents and all the staff. It gave everyone a lift at what can be such a difficult time, especially close to Christmas.”