A women’s football team has been spending the week raising awareness for sick children in Liverpool.
The players, from Liverpool John Moores University, launched their Week of Giving in support of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
The initiative kicked off on Monday, with players donating gifts, toys and puzzles to donate to children receiving care at the hospital.
They also wore the Hospice’s colours to training.
Orla Donlan, vice-president, said: “The donations so far have been amazing, so thank you to everyone who has already got involved.
“Alder Hey does so much for children and families, especially at this time of year, so we really wanted to give back in any way we could!”
Tuesday saw footballs being traded for glitter, as the team held a Christmas card making workshop alongside other sports teams.
The idea was to help bring joy to young patients who are spending the festive season in hospital.
Ellie O’Nions, welfare officer, said: “It was a really special evening as knowing a small gesture such as making a card can make a difference for a child’s Christmas.”
For matchday on Wednesday, all three teams continued to show support by wearing Alder Hey blue and yellow ribbons in their hair and holding up the hospice’s flag.
Thursday was all about togetherness. The players took part in team-bonding activities and discussions centred around gratitude. This helped them realise the importance of community and giving back.
The club’s committee members also acrried around their childhood teddy bears and favourite toys, highlighting the importance of donating comforting items to bring festive spirit to children at Alder Hey.
Festivities will continue over the weekend, with some members running a festive 3km Santa Dash throughout the city. Then, on Sunday, players will try to walk 12,000 steps in a nurse’s shoes, a challenge symbolic of all the hard work Alder Hey’s staff do year round.
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