Spurs players bring festive cheer to hospitals

Last updated 21-Dec-10 12:45

Players from Tottenham Hotspur Football Club have made their annual Christmas visit both to both Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital.

They visited children and their families who will spend the festive season in hospital due to ill health. The players handed out gifts, footballs and calendars.

Players including Alan Hutton, William Gallas, Niko Kranjcar, Robbie Keane, Sebastien Bassong and Jermaine Jenas spent nearly two hours handing out presents, signing autographs and speaking to patients.

The visit brought smiles to children aged from a just a few weeks old to 16 years old.

Rosita, aged 11, was given a huge teddy bear and said: "It's been brilliant having the players come and see us today and I love my present!"

Hazel Norris, Matron, said: "It is great when the Spurs players come and visit the children. It brings lots of smiles and cheer to the wards, especially near Christmas time when children are feeling down about being in hospital. The children and their parents love meeting the players and having their photograph taken with them."

Jermaine Jenas said; "It is that festive time of the year but also there are some less fortunate children in hospital, premature babies too, so it is a tough part of the year for some too. As much as we enjoy coming along it can get quite emotional at times. It is great to put a smile on the kids' faces, make a fuss out of them and give them gifts."