8 December 2011
There were wide eyes and even wider smiles on the faces of young patients on the wards of Queen Mary's Hospital for Children on Tuesday (6 December 2011) thanks to a visit by two footballers from Premiership side Fulham FC.
First team goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and up-and-coming academy team stopper Marcus Bettinelli took time out to visit to the children's hospital, which is based at St Helier Hospital, to give out Christmas gifts, sign posters and spend time chatting to the children and their families.
All the presents were paid for by the players themselves, who were also able to leave a Santa's sack of gifts for children admitted over the holiday season.
The stars were met by Dr Rim El-Rifai, the clinical director for women and children's services. She said: "The moment the players came through the door you could see what a difference it made - it really lifted the spirits of our young patients.
"It's great that they come and spend time with the children and cheer them up, and paying for the presents was a really generous gesture.
"On behalf of all the children, their parents and the staff here at the hospital, I would like to say a big thank you to Fulham FC."
Australian goalkeeper and co-author of five children's books Mark Schwarzer, who starred for the Socceroos at the last World Cup, said: "It's a real pleasure to come along and give presents to the children who have to spend Christmas in hospital. Visits like this one never fail to bring you down to earth and makes you realise your own good fortune.
"It's sad to see how ill some of the kids are, but on the other hand it's clear that by being here they're given the best possible chance of getting better. I just hope that we were able to make their stay that little bit better."
Marcus Bettinelli added: "At Fulham Football Club, we believe that part of being a footballer involves giving back to the local community.
"You might hear the odd pro who moans about training on Christmas Day, but in reality we are privileged to do our job, and visits like this put it all into perspective. It may only be an hour or so of our time, but it makes their day, which is a great feeling."
