Players spread festive cheer with virtual visits to local hospitals

Our players helped spread some festive cheer as they virtually visited youngsters at local hospitals last week.

Christmas gifts were delivered for patients on the children’s wards, along with Molton Brown packages for the heroic staff who have been working hard throughout the pandemic.

Due to the current circumstances, players were unable to visit the hospitals in person as is annual tradition.

Instead, Dele, Sergio Reguilon and Japhet Tanganga took part in video calls with four local hospitals: North Middlesex University Hospital, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Whipps Cross Hospital and Whittington Hospital. Children, their families and staff had the chance to meet the players virtually and enjoy some Christmas cheer.

Maria Kane, Chief Executive of North Middlesex University Hospital, said: “Given the visiting arrangements in place at the hospital due to the pandemic, I’m so pleased we were able to find a way for our friends at Spurs to say hello to our younger patients. The smiles on their faces show how much this means to them.”

Fiona Miller Smith, Chief Executive of Barts Charity, said: “At this time of year it’s fantastic to see the local community coming together to support our East London hospitals. The Tottenham Hotspur visit to Whipps Cross Hospital each Christmas brings such joy to patients, families, and staff, so we’re glad that they haven’t had to miss out on it because of the pandemic.”

Janelle Gardner, head of nursing for children and services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “It was wonderful for children and our team to have the opportunity to virtually meet the Tottenham Hotspur players. We are so grateful to the Club for thinking of us and bringing some festive spirit to our children’s ward.”

Siobhan Harrington, CEO of Whittington Health NHS Trust, said: “Everyone at Whittington Health was delighted to welcome the Tottenham Hotspurs team to meet our young patients and their families at this year’s special event. It was very thoughtful of the club to set up a virtual visit as an alternative to being with us in person. The children loved their gifts and the sense of occasion was still very impactful and uplifting for our team.”

Speaking after the calls, Dele told us: “This year has been incredibly tough for so many people, so it was great to be able to spend time with some patients and watch them open their presents. Hopefully, we have been able to help raise spirits and put smiles back on their faces ahead of Christmas.”