EVERTON players visited unwell kids in hospital fresh from their Premier League win over Arsenal.
In a heartwarming Christmas visit, the entire squad made the trip to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool today.
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Ronald Koeman, his coaching staff and players handed out a raft of Everton gifts, including cuddly toys blankets, cushions, colouring sets and footballs.
They passed on their best wishes to patients and their families, some of whom are set to spend the entire festive period on the wards.
The likes of Leighton Baines, Romelu Lukaku and winning goalscorer last night Ashley Williams talked to the awestruck patients, posing for photos.
Koeman said: “It’s been really special to be here today, an incredible place and for the players and of the technical staff to come and visit the hospital and the children. It’s been a special afternoon.
“It is a difficult time always when children become ill and need to be in the hospital, but especially at this time of year with it being Christmas.
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“To give them a little support on behalf of Everton Football Club at a difficult time for the children and their families, as well as the staff of course too, is the least we can do at this time of year.
“We saw some very small babies with some really tough ailments to overcome but all of the children here are strong and they are receiving some of the best care in the world, right on our doorstep.
“We spoke to parents, too, and some Evertonians who were happy about the result from last
night, but here you experience what life is really all about. This is real life. It gives you perspective of what is really important.”
Leighton Baines, an ambassador for the hospital, added: “You speak to some of the parents and they say that the kids have been excited all morning and it’s given them a little boost.
“It can be difficult to understand why at times when people are struggling but that’s the power of football and the reach it has got. We take time out and if it cheers the kids up then it is worth it.”
Last night Everton impressively beat title-chasing Arsenal at a raucous Goodison Park, after a run of just one win in 10 games.
They went 1-0 down to a deflected Alexis Sanchez free-kick after a lacklustre start, but came back thanks to goals from Seamus Coleman and Williams to inflict just a second league defeat of the season on the Gunners.
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