Micky van de Ven and Ashley Philips from Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) paid a surprise visit yesterday, December 12, to the children’s ward (Dolphin Ward) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) in Harlow. The purpose of the visit was to give the children early Christmas presents and brighten the mood.

Soft toys and games were among the gifts. The Dolphin Ward squad was also given some Christmas gifts by THFC, Molton Brown, and Cadbury chocolate.

“It was really nice to visit The Princess Alexandra Hospital, to see the children and give them some Christmas presents,” stated Micky van de Ven, defender for Tottenham Hotspur.

“I’ve never done something like this before in my career, but these visits are incredibly significant. Since the kids are going through a trying moment, it’s nice that we can brighten their day by surprise them and giving them some gifts.

“It was nice to meet the nurses and staff who work so hard throughout the year, and there were a lot of Spurs fans too, which I love to see.”

The Dolphin Ward manager at PAHT, Helen Weaving, stated: “The kids on the ward were really excited to learn that Tottenham Hotspur players were coming to visit.”

Seeing the expression on their faces gave me a huge boost and brought me immense joy. Their guardians and parents were very ecstatic.

Chief nurse and deputy chief executive Sharon McNally stated: “We are really appreciative of the Tottenham Hotspur players for taking the time to come and see the kids on Dolphin Ward today and for their support. It can be rather challenging to stay in a hospital during this time of year, so this pleasant surprise has lifted everyone’s spirits on the ward.