Everton Players Spread Easter Joy In The City

Everton's players spread Easter cheer across the city on Wednesday, meeting youngsters and handing out chocolate eggs at Goodison Park and local hospices.

Jake O'Brien and Armando Broja headed to Claire House's West Derby site to spend time with staff, patients and their families, while team-mates Ashley Young and Tim Iroegbunam did likewise at nearby Zoe's Place. Both facilities provide for young children with life-limiting, life-threatening or complex conditions, with Zoe's Place specialising in the care of babies.

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At Goodison Park, Beto, Seamus Coleman and James Garner surprised children enjoying an Everton and Easter-themed craft session during their time off school. The event was hosted by staff from Everton in the Community and saw youngsters design their very own Everton eggs and take part in a classic egg hunt. 

Meanwhile, across the road at the Everton One store, Jack Harrison and Charly Alcaraz teamed up to delight Blues by posing for selfies and penning autographs at a signing session.

After meeting the families under the care of Claire House, defender O'Brien said: “It’s important that, as footballers, we meet the community and put a smile on their faces. It was great to meet all of the children and their families and to be able to make them happy and smile in that moment.” 
 
Striker Broja added: "To see everyone together, spreading positivity is the most important thing. That is what the Club is about. It was a really good feeling to meet the children and families and to bring them some enjoyment and smiles.”
 
By providing specialist nursing and end of life care, as well as emotional support, Claire House helps families through some of the toughest times of their lives.
 
Joanne Cook, Play and Activities Coordinator at Claire House, added: "The visit was a highlight for our families.
 
"All the babies, children and young adults attending loved meeting the players, getting the chance to talk with them and take pictures.
 
“It’s visits like this that create lasting memories for our children and families.”
 
Like Claire House, Zoe's Place operates as a charity, providing respite, palliative care and support for families to make every moment of childhood count.
 
"The families and staff always look forward to the Everton visit and this was no different,” said hospice spokesperson Hollie Clarke.
 
"The visits are a great chance for the families to make extra special memories, which is what we love to do at Zoe's Place!
 
"The Evertonians all wore their kits specially for the day. It was such a fantastic afternoon and we'd like to thank Ashley and Tim for the time they spent with the children and Everton for their continued support."