Young people staying on the children’s ward (Dolphin Ward) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) in Harlow got a big surprise yesterday (12 December) when Micky van de Ven and Ashley Phillips, from Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC), made a surprise visit to deliver early Christmas presents and help spread some festive cheer.
Gifts included games and soft toys. THFC, Molton Brown and Cadbury chocolate also treated the team working on Dolphin Ward, with some gifts for Christmas.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven said: “It was really nice to visit The Princess Alexandra Hospital, to see the children and give them some Christmas presents.
“It’s the first time in my career I’ve done something like this but these visits are really important. The children are going through a difficult time, so it’s good that we can make them smile by surprising them and giving them some gifts.
“There were lots of Spurs fans too, which I love to see, and it was nice to meet the nurses and staff who work so hard throughout the year.”
Helen Weaving, Dolphin Ward manager at PAHT, said: “There was such an air of excitement when the children on the ward found out that players from Tottenham Hotspur were visiting us. It was a tremendous boost and such a joy to see the look on their faces. Their parents and guardians were overjoyed too.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, said: “We are so grateful to the players from Tottenham Hotspur for taking time to come and visit the children on Dolphin Ward today, and thank them for their support.
“Staying in hospital at this time of year can be very difficult and this has been a welcome surprise that has really boosted the spirits on the ward.”