Players from West Ham United’s men’s and women’s first-team squad spread festive cheer to children and members of staff at Newham Hospital.
Men’s captain Jarrod Bowen and Women’s vice-captain Shelina Zadorsky were joined by Vladimír Coufal, Anouk Denton, Tomáš Souček, Amber Tysiak, Carlos Soler and Seraina Piubel as they visited the hospital as part of Club’s Players’ Project to wish their young patients, staff and families a merry Christmas.
The Club has had a long relationship with Newham Hospital in Plaistow and has formed a partnership with Barts Charity, which provides support and raises funds for Barts Health NHS Trust five hospitals – Newham, Mile End, The Royal London, St Bartholomew’s and Whipps Cross.
During their Christmas visit, the players headed to the Hospital’s Wellbeing Hub, which opened in 2022 and was funded by Barts Charity to provide a space for staff to relax. There, the players met staff from the hospital’s emergency department, Rainbow Centre for children and young people, wellbeing team, and other departments, chatting, posing for photographs and signing shirts, scarves and other memorabilia.
The players were then welcomed to Rainbow Centre, which provides 24-hour inpatient and day care for children and young people. There, they handed out presents and met a number of patients and staff members, before posing for a group photo staff in the courtyard.
“It’s nice to come in and give out presents, most of us here today are parents so when we come to these ones it's always difficult when you're seeing kids in hospital over Christmas,” Bowen said.
“But if we can come in and put a smile on their face for Christmas, we feel like we’ve done wonders for them. It was a good day, good to see the children, hand out the presents and give them a real boost before Christmas."
Zadorsky was taking part in her first hospital visit since joining West Ham, and she was delighted to be able to give back and spread cheer to those she saw.
“It’s really meaningful for us to give back to the community in just a small way, to bring some cheer and hopefully some smiles.
“This time of year is hard for families especially with a family member who is sick, for all the workers and staff here it's a busy time of year as well, so for us to come in and connect with people in the community, it's really special. Being able to see the kids smiling and with a little West Ham gift is the least we can do.”
Head of Wellbeing for Newham Hospital, Catriona Rowland spoke of the impact the visit from the players will have on the young patients and staff during a busy period.
“Having the players here today was a morale boost because we’re very busy, we know they are busy too so to make that gesture to come and thank all the staff, meet and greet, take photos and have a laugh with our staff, visitors and patients. It’s just amazing to see the little children in the hospital for Christmas to get to meet their favourite players.
“I just want to thank West Ham United, the relationship we’ve had with Newham Hospital and Barts Health, since 2016 we’ve been working closely and when they’ve come it's always been a joyful experience. It’s moments like this that help everyone’s wellbeing and it's great just knowing that all the Hammers fans support Newham Hospital and the community.”
