Football stars surprise visit to children’s wards

Four stars of Arsenal’s women’s team surprised children and young people at UCLH last week, delivering gifts to patients and meeting families and staff.

Defender Katie McCabe, who has played for Arsenal for nine years, and winger Caitlin Foord, were joined by two rising Arsenal stars Freya Godfrey and Laila Harbert.

The players visited patients on our children’s wards aged from 0 to 19. Several young Arsenal fans, and their parents, were thrilled to meet the heroes of the pitch who posed for photos and signed scarves and caps.

The players were shown around the wards by members of our play and youth team. Play and activities coordinator, Frances Clarke, said:

“The Arsenal visit was such a treat for the children and young people staying on the wards, and also delighted quite a few of the Arsenal fans amongst our staff too!”

Huma Ahmed, Senior Health Play Specialist, added:

“It was so lovely of the players to bring presents and spend so much time talking to patients, their friends and families. It really brightened everyone’s afternoon.”

Toral Pandya, Divisional Manager for Children’s and Young People’s Services, said:

“What an exciting afternoon for our patients and staff alike. Katie, Caitlin, Freya and Laila were all fantastic with the children and young people and it was a pleasure to welcome them to UCLH. The children and young people undergoing treatment inspire us every single day and, through this visit, they also inspired these Arsenal stars who told us that they were humbled to meet the patients and staff.”