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Photo by Liverpool FC - Handout/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The men’s squad made their annual trek to the children’s hospital to spread some good cheer in the midst of their busy December schedule.
It is finally time for one of the club’s well honored traditions - the annual Alder Hey Children’s Hospital visit. Every year both squads travel to the Merseyside children’s hospital to visit for a few hours, spreading gifts, playing games, and bringing general good vibes to families and staff that are in the hospital during the winter holidays. The women made their less publicized visit last week, and now it is the men’s turn.
This year was also the first with new head coach Arne Slot joining the experience, and meeting with mostly local families to show their appreciation and support.
“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,” said Slot.
“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.”
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.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk in particular was a fan favorite, naturally, around the hospital with families and staff - even for some kids that aren’t necessarily LFC fans (watch for the Wrexham fan in the video).
“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,” the captain said.
“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.”
