Christmas surprise for children at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as Chelsea FC drop in for a special visit
20 December 2017
Children and their families at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital received an extraordinary surprise visit from Chelsea Football Club’s first team earlier this month—making some young ones in our care feel like Christmas had come early.
Children and their families at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital received an extraordinary surprise visit from Chelsea Football Club’s first team earlier this month—making some young ones in our care feel like Christmas had come early.
The squad, including manager Antonio Conte, visited five children’s wards to spread some festive cheer by delivering presents, posing for pictures and signing autographs for very excited children, parents and staff.
Among those who got to meet the team were nine-year-old Ifrah, a Chelsea fan, and Ben, a nine-year-old who staunchly supports rival team Everton. Staff on the wards remarked that while Christmas was a difficult time of year for many patients, the visit significantly lifted spirits across the ward.
During the visit, Chelsea midfielder and star player Cesc Fabregas said: “Some of the kids are suffering and especially the parents as well, so you feel for them—as a dad, it’s the worst thing when health problems happen to your children.”
“[The clinicians] are so underrated, we’re very proud of them and just want to say thank you for what they do for everyone.”
The Trust would like to thank Chelsea FC once again for popping into our Mercury, Jupiter, Neptune, HDU and Mars wards to make this time of year that little bit brighter for our patients and staff.
Watch the video courtesy of Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea TV: