THE West Ham United squad took time out from their busy training
schedule yesterday to make a special Christmas visit to the
Basildon University Hospital.
The players delighted youngsters and their parents when they turned up at the children's ward and special care baby unit and took time out to visit everyone, dishing out presents, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
The players made a collection between them which was matched by the Club, the money was spent at Toys 'R' Us where Club Doctor Ges Steinbergs and Assistant Kit Manager Pete Williams bought hundreds of presents for the children who face the unfortunate prospect of spending Christmas in hospital. In addition to these gifts, West Ham United goody bags containing teddy bears, footballs, games, chocolate and lots more were given to the delighted children on the Puffin and Wagtail children's wards.
Special thanks goes to the staff of Toys 'R' Us at Newbury Park for wrapping all the gifts free of charge, and all the staff at Basildon Hospital for their hospitality to the Club and the great work they do all year round. Also thanks to our sponsors Reebok for their donation of footballs.