Watch: Reds make virtual Christmas visit to Alder Hey
The Liverpool FC squad made a virtual Christmas visit to Alder Hey Children's Hospital this year to spread a little festive cheer among the patients and staff.
Every December, the Reds first team take the short trip to the hospital in West Derby, which delivers vital care for more than 330,000 children and young people, and their families, each year.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant the players were unable to visit the wards in person this time – but that was not going to stop them meeting some of the youngsters currently being treated.
Via video link, several members of the senior squad chatted to patients and their families, as well as staff, in an effort to raise spirits ahead of Christmas.
The calls were made possible thanks to the telemedicine robot, an innovative piece of equipment funded by the Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
The technology has been hugely beneficial throughout the pandemic, allowing vital treatment to continue while reducing the need for clinicians to be physically at a patient’s bedside.
The Reds players took turns to dial into the hospital live and also shared gifts and participated in one or two sing-alongs, too.
“It’s important that even though we couldn’t be there in person, that we try to find a way – which, with the amazing technology at the hospital, we did,” says captain Jordan Henderson.
“All of the staff there, every year we go they are so good with the kids, always smiling. The work they do is remarkable really – especially this year with what’s been going on, of course.
“But in general, it’s an amazing, amazing hospital and everything they do is appreciated by everyone in the city and the country, I’m sure, but also from us as a club and as players.”
Watch their virtual visit in the video below. To make a donation to the Alder Hey Charity, please click here.
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