Pompey players put a smile on QA patients' faces with visit
The players and manager Paul Cook visited Queen Alexandra Hospital to pose for pictures, sign autographs and give out presents.
Patients on the paediatric ward were excited to meet the likes of Christian Burgess, Conor Chaplin and Pompey mascot Nelson.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBig fan Jude Allen was over the moon to meet his favourite player Gary Roberts.
The six-year-old is waiting for a five-organ transplant as he has intestinal failure.
His mum Kellie, from Cowplain, said QA Hospital is a second home and it was amazing for him to meet the Pompey team.
Jude said: ‘It was really cool. It has been nice to meet them and see them.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘My favourite player is Gary Roberts and I spoke to him lots.’
Kellie added: ‘Jude is a big Pompey fan and it was brilliant for him and his brother Oscar to meet the players.
‘It’s a wonderful thing for the hospital and the club to do.’
Five-year-old Louie Mantel, from Bognor Regis, met the team with his mum Sarah. He was in hospital for an operation on his tonsils.
Sarah said: ‘It was really nice for him.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘We were thinking of putting the operation off because of the festive season but this visit has been lovely.’
As well as visiting the children, the players also went to the older persons ward.
While there, they were given mince pies made by the patients and played a game similar to bowls.
Pompey fan Sydney Baker, 85, enjoyed talking about football with the team.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: ‘I follow the team and it was nice to meet them. They were a lovely bunch.’
Paul Cook said it was humbling for the players to meet people staying in hospital over Christmas.
‘These visits bring so much happiness to the kids and their parents,’ he said.
‘We can take so much for granted and when you see these people in hospital, it is humbling.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWinger Milan Lalkovic agreed. He said: ‘We should be doing something like this every year. It makes such a difference for these kids.’
And midfielder Kyle Bennett added: ‘It is good for the kids and their families to look forward to. Hopefully we put a smile on their faces.’