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Pompey players bring an early Christmas treat
It was like a dream come true for two-year-old Taliya Dawkins when her Pompey heroes came strolling down the corridor. The tiny tot was visiting her nine-day-old sister Kyla at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham yesterday when the football stars dropped in to hand out Christmas gifts.
Kitted out in full Pompey gear, the youngster, who was born without a hand, enjoyed seeing the players and receiving special Pompey presents.
Mum Sabrina, 25, of Nobes Avenue, Gosport, said: 'Even though she's only young she's a big Pompey fan. She watches the games on TV all the time.
'When Taliya heard the players were coming along she jumped at the chance to see them. It's fantastic how they come round the wards at Christmas. It's so lovely and really puts a smile on everyone's face.'
Around 16 players turned out to spread joy on the paediatric ward. Among them was Pompey and England goalkeeper David James, while stars from Saturday's victory over Burnley included Jamie O'Hara, Frederic Piquionne, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Asmir Begovic, Hassan Yebda, Nadir Belhadj and Younes Kaboul.
The players spent time chatting with youngsters ranging from those who were in for day surgery to those who had more serious illnesses.
Eight-year-old Elliott Duke was in for day surgery. The youngster, from New Road East, Copnor, said: 'It was great meeting them. They all spoke to me for quite a while and gave me a present.'
Bridie Conaghan, from Northern Road, Hilsea, caused a bit of a stir when she pulled out a copy of OK magazine with a feature on O'Hara and his fiancee Danielle Lloyd.
The 14-year-old, who got a hernia from playing football and had had surgery earlier that day, said: 'All the other players were laughing. It was quite funny. It was fantastic meeting them all. They were all so nice.'
Massive Pompey fan Guy Morgan, 13, who suffers from gall bladder problems, was delighted to meet his idols.
Guy, from Westfield Avenue, Hayling Island, said: 'It's like a dream come true.'
The players spent two hours on the wards.
David James said: 'It's important for the club that we represent ourselves in the community and if we can bring a bit of a joy to the wards, then that's great.'
Jamie O'Hara said: 'It's great that we can come down and support some of the fans that come and support us.
'It's nice doing something away from the pitch and in the community.'
Later in the day, Pompey players enjoyed a Caribbean party with 60 youngsters at Fratton Park.
The children, aged five to 10, who all take part in either the Faith and Football Extra Time initiative, in which children read bible stories to help improve their reading, or in extra educational activities at Pompey's Study Centre, took part in limbo dancing, face painting and a penalty shoot-out.
Linvoy Primus, who leads Pompey's Faith and Football initiative, said: 'They work hard during the year to help improve reading or other educational abilities and what they've done is amazing, so it's great for us all to get together and enjoy a party.' It's nice doing something away from the pitch and in the community.'
Later in the day, Pompey players enjoyed a Caribbean party with 60 youngsters at Fratton Park.
The children, aged five to 10, who all take part in either the Faith and Football Extra Time initiative, in which children read bible stories to help improve their reading, or in extra educational activities at Pompey's Study Centre, took part in limbo dancing, face painting and a penalty shoot-out.
Linvoy Primus, who leads Pompey's Faith and Football initiative, said: ‘They work hard during the year to help improve reading or other educational abilities and what they've done is amazing, so it's great for us all to get together and enjoy a party.'
n For a video report, go to portsmouth.co.uk/onvideo
Footballers bring an early Christmas treat
Pompey football stars brought festive joy to young hospital patients and children at a special Caribbean party at Fratton Park yesterday. RACHEL HINE and RORY O'KEEFFE report.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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