Christmas cheer lit up Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Wednesday as manager David Moyes and his Everton squad made their much-loved annual festive visit to spend time with young patients and their families.
Moyes was joined on the wards by Men’s Team Coach Leighton Baines, Club Captain Seamus Coleman and winger Jack Grealish, where they handed out gifts and shared precious moments with children who are currently receiving treatment or may be spending Christmas in hospital.
Elsewhere in the hospital, the remainder of the squad helped host a special Christmas party for Evertonians who have been patients at Alder Hey over the past year. Players arrived with armfuls of presents and made sure everyone left with a selfie, autograph or personalised video — no request too big, no smile left unreturned.
Defender Michael Keane said:
“It’s my eighth or ninth time of visiting Alder Hey at Christmas time now and it’s always something we look forward to as a squad.
“These families have had a lot of really tough times, especially the kids, and you always come away having been told what a difference it makes to them.
“One kid just said to me, “this is better than Christmas Day!”. So anything you can do like this as a footballer, it’s very special and important, and we’re happy to be here to see everyone.”
Young Blues lined up to take shots at goalkeepers Mark Travers and Harry Tyrer, encouraged by a chorus of cheers from teammates gathered around. Festive crafts, table-top games and a lively game of basketball brought extra energy to the room, creating a joyful afternoon for patients and families alike.
The event, now a cherished annual tradition, is delivered through a partnership between Alder Hey and the Club’s Fan Engagement team. It offers an opportunity to welcome back young people who have faced difficult moments throughout the year and give them the lift of meeting their Everton heroes at this special time of year.
Keane added:
“There’s a great atmosphere, as always. The kids are obviously excited but it’s also important that we get to speak with the parents, who will have had difficult years and may even be here in the hospital with their little ones for Christmas. And the staff, too, who do incredible things every day.”
Alder Hey remains one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals, treating everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions.
To find out more about the Alder Hey charity, which is currently embarking on a mission to make Christmas magical for all their patients, visit the website.
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