Chelsea FC players bring smiles to the children's wards

It’s the countdown to Christmas and there is no better way to start the festive celebrations than with a surprise visit from Chelsea Football Club’s first team, who came to spread some Christmas cheer to the children’s wards, organised by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and our official charity CW+.

The Blues gave a warm-hearted, welcomed visit to the children and young people and their families, only a short walk from Stamford Bridge, where they handed over presents, signed autographs and posed for pictures on the wards.

Photo courtesy: Chelsea Foundation

At the end of the visit, football club manager Frank Lampard presented the hospital with some additional gifts on behalf of the squad including PlayStations, televisions and more.

Trust Chief Executive Lesley Watts said: “A big thank you from myself and the whole team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to the Chelsea FC team, who have spent the afternoon with our young patients and their families. It is a wonderful thing to see the faces of our children light up when they see their footballing heroes. Fun was had by all.”

Staff on the wards were delighted to greet the Blues and give them a guided tour. The festive season can be a challenging time for hospital staff and their patients so, to receive a surprise visit at this time, makes the lead-up to Christmas that much more magical. 

Sarah Chin, Ward Manager, said: “It was so nice to have Chelsea FC visit the children’s wards—the kids were full of smiles and really excited. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity and also their time—this will make such a difference to them and their loved ones.”

Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta believes it is a vital contribution for footballers at this time of year: “We know the little details can make people happy. With our resources we thought about this possibility to help the hospital to have these gifts, which they can share with the patients and help with their time in hospital.

“It is not nice to be here but we know sometimes people have to go through these periods and, from our part, we want to help as much as possible.”

This year’s trip ended with smiles all round and Chelsea Foundation, CW+ and the Trust look forward to providing exceptional care and support for families now and beyond the festive season.