Players return to local hospitals and deliver Christmas gifts to children’s wards

After a break of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were delighted to resume our Christmas tradition of players visiting local hospitals on Tuesday afternoon, spreading festive cheer and delivering presents on behalf of the Club.

We were back in three local hospitals in person for the first time since December, 2019, in reduced numbers - Dejan Kulusevski and Ryan Sessegnon made the short trip to North Middlesex Hospital in Edmonton, Clement Lenglet and Japhet Tanganga visited Princess Alexandra in Harlow while Fraser Forster and Djed Spence handed out gifts at Barnet Hospital.

Players also delivered special gifts from Official Club partner Molton Brown to all hospital staff.

Speaking from North Middlesex, Ryan told us: “Christmas is such an important time of year for families and kids, and it must be such a difficult time of year to feel poorly, so, to come here and give out our presents, it’s a joy. To see the smiles on their faces lit up our day. It’s the least we can do.”

Deki added: “It’s the chance for us to give the kids a smile and do something nice for them. We had such a lovely reaction and I wish all the best to all of them. I pray for everyone here.”

Deborah Sanders, Chief Executive of Barnet Hospital, said: “We were delighted to welcome the players to Galaxy and Starlight wards. It means so much to the children and their families to have some special visitors bringing gifts at this time of year and our staff certainly appreciate them making this special festive trip to our hospital!”

Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, said: “We are so grateful for the support of the club and to the players for taking time to come and visit the children on Dolphin Ward today. Staying in hospital at this time of year can be challenging for children and their families and this was a very welcome surprise that certainly lifted spirits on the ward.”