Chelsea star Kai Havertz delivers Christmas gifts to children in hospital
Chelsea star Kai Havertz delivers Christmas gifts to children in hospital
22 December 2022
The Chelsea striker, who starred for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar, made a special appearance to visit children at the hospital’s Great Western and Grand Union wards.
Kai also brought some festive cheer to the children’s outpatients department and haematology day unit as he stopped to meet young football fans and their families – many of whom will be in hospital over the festive period.
As well as meeting one of the world’s biggest sports stars, the children also received signed Chelsea shirts, toys, games and other gifts generously donated by Kai and his partner Sophia Weber.
"To see children who have been in hospital for several weeks have the chance to meet one of their football heroes truly is a magical thing."
Tina Halton, Play Specialist at St Mary's Hospital
Every year thousands of seriously ill children from across the UK are treated at St Mary’s, which provides one of the strongest general paediatric services in the country.
The hospital’s expert staff are world leaders in their field, driving clinical research and innovation to make sure children with serious injuries, illnesses and life-threatening health conditions receive outstanding care.
On top of the presents that Kai and Sophia delivered, the children also received other football-themed gifts and toys kindly donated by the Chelsea FC Foundation.
Tina Halton, Play Specialist at St Mary’s, said Kai’s visit had helped to give children and staff at the hospital a real boost in the run-up to Christmas.
She said: “No child wants to be in hospital at Christmas and this time of year can be particularly tough for children and young people with serious illnesses and health conditions that require ongoing care, so having the opportunity to meet one of their football heroes really helped to spread some festive cheer.
“We’re so grateful to Kai and Sophia, to the Chelsea Football Club Foundation and to Imperial Health Charity for their incredible support. To see young patients – some of whom have been in hospital for several weeks - have the chance to meet one of their idols in real life is a truly magical thing.”
This Christmas you can help us offer additional support to seriously ill children at St Mary’s Hospital by donating to our Winter Appeal.
With your generous support, we will be able to provide a wide range of extra help at St Mary’s, making a real difference for thousands of children and their families.
Your donation could help us improve the quality of clinical areas and therapy spaces, create vibrant and engaging spaces for children to play, or provide art therapy to boost children’s mood, morale and wellbeing during their time in hospital.
To find out more about our Winter Appeal and make a donation today, click here. Thank you.
