Chelsea FC surprise children in hospital
22 December 2016
Chelsea Football Club Manager Antonio Conte and the squad surprised children and their families at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
Chelsea Football Club Manager Antonio Conte and the squad surprised children and their families at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The players spread festive cheer with the visit, delivering presents for the kids, posing for pictures and signing autographs around the wards.
Sadly, some of the children will be in hospital over Christmas and so the Blues popped in following the morning’s training session at Stamford Bridge. The annual visit to Chelsea and Westminster is a significant one for the players.
“Each year we come and it is important for us as players to do this and to see the kids,” said First Team Defender César Azpilicueta.
“I am a parent myself and I know how special this time is. Christmas is normally a very happy time but for these kids and their families it is very difficult so it is nice for us to come here, give them presents and to spend time with them. it is also nice for us to be able to do this and to make people’s day nicer.”
One young admirer of the Spanish international was patient Lucy Pollock, who was delighted to meet the players and receive a selfie stick.
“She has had some issues with her tummy and has go to start a diet of a milky drink for the next six weeks which will get her better,” Lucy’s mum explained. “She’s been in and out since 6 November, but we are going home for Christmas which is very exciting.
“It’s fantastic to see the players. It’s quite quiet here normally and she feels like she has missed the build-up to Christmas at school with the play, the games and the jumper day, so it’s lovely for the players to come in.”
David Luiz too had one special fan. James Middlehurst plays for the Team GB amputee football team, and as you can tell from the photo above, was thrilled to meet his hero!
The Chelsea FC visit follows on from visits by England Rugby and Brentford FC to West Middlesex University Hospital earlier this week.
Chief Executive Lesley Watts said via Twitter: “A huge thank you to @EnglandRugby, @BrentfordFC and @ChelseaFC for bringing so much joy and cheer to @WestMidHospital and @chelwestft!