Players from West Ham United’s men’s first-team spread festive cheer to brave youngsters at Queen’s Hospital in Romford when they visited to wish young patients, staff and families a merry Christmas.
**Maximilian Kilman**, **Aaron Cresswell**, **Danny Ings** and **Andy Irving** arrived at Queen's, part of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, as part of the Club’s Players’ Project armed with bundles of presents, and distributed them to surprised children.
During the visit, the quartet took time getting to know the patients and their families, and alongside the festive gift-giving, the players also posed for photos and selfies as well as signing shirts, player cards and various other items, spending valuable time with those on the hospital’s Bluebell and Tropical Lagoon wards who are going through a difficult time.
Kiman said: “This is my first year at West Ham United, but it’s a fantastic Club and they always ensure they look after the community and local hospitals at this time of year. You can see how much it means to the kids, and they all were very happy to see us. I hope those memories go some way towards creating a special Christmas for them and their families, and it was great to see some West Ham fans too.”
Hammers vice-captain Cresswell, who is now into his eleventh season in Claret and Blue, fully embodies the values of our Club in the east London community.
“One of the most important things that we do as players and staff, especially around Christmas time, is give back to the east London community,” Cresswell enthused. “It is an important time for a lot of us and our families, and these are the things we love doing the most, and it’s amazing to give back to hospitals and put smiles on faces.
“Christmas is about more than just one day, and it makes me proud as vice-captain of West Ham to know that the Club continues to create real, impactful opportunities for young people through the festive period.”
Amongst several highlights, one fan, Tyler, 12, enjoyed a heartwarming moment with the quartet as a huge grin cascaded across his face.
He said: “I was really happy to see the players because I’ve been here since Friday, and seeing the players has made my time here a lot better and put a smile on my face. They brought some good gifts and presents, which was really kind, and this sort of visit has been a real bonus.”
“I went to the Manchester United game \[in October\], which was great—especially as we won!”
After the visit, Ceira, the ward manager on one of the paediatric wards, thanked the Club for the visit.
“It was amazing to have the first-team players down at Queen’s Hospital and the kids and staff really enjoyed their visit. It’s made everyone’s day,” she said.
“Having the players here really lifts the spirits of everyone, especially the kids who are in the hospital at this time of year and aren’t feeling very well. We see so many West Ham fans day in and day out, and some of our patients also have their kit on, so it helps make their recovery a little bit easier.
“I’ve been a fan of West Ham my whole life and I’m proud to support a Club that is so community-focused. They’re such a big part of the east London community, and it goes a long way.”
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