Children and families at Zoe’s Place welcomed Everton stars Tom Davies and Anthony Gordon, who came to the baby and infant hospice to make a special Easter delivery.
The Blues pair, who brought Easter eggs and gifts for children and their families, were able to visit Zoe’s Place again for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
WATCH ANTHONY AND TOM'S VISIT IN THE VIDEO ABOVE OR HERE
Zoe’s Place provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care to babies and infants up to the age of five years, who have life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.
Tom and Anthony spent time speaking with the children and families, and also met staff.
“The work they do here at Zoe's Place is fantastic," Davies said. "For everyone involved, it’s just such a very loving and caring place for the kids to come to, and for the families to get some rest.
“It’s also close to where I grew up, and the work they are doing here touches my heart.
“We brought some Easter eggs to wish everyone here a happy Easter, and just to see the kids, which hopefully is great for them, too, to see a new face.
“We try to bring a bit of fun and energy to the place, and the kids do as well! It’s brilliant to see them and all the staff, with how hard they work.”
Gordon, Everton’s goalscoring hero from last weekend’s win over Manchester United, added: “It’s wonderful coming here. It’s the second time me and Tom have done it, we see the kids, spend some time with the families, and hear their stories.
"It’s incredible what the kids go through, how strong they are, and their families also.
“We spent a bit of time with the staff, too, who do an amazing job. The response has been great, [the children] have been so loving and warm, and everyone is so welcoming.”
Michelle Wright, Head of Care at Zoe’s Place, said: “It’s just fantastic for the children and their families, it just means the world to them, it really lifts them up, and just shows the support for Zoe’s Place.
“Our families go through a lot every day, looking after children with complex needs, and what we try and do is provide a bit of respite support for them, during difficult times. It means the world to get visits like we’ve had today, and the support from Everton Football Club, and we thank them very much.”
The links between Everton and Zoe’s Place are also set to continue, with plans for Everton in the Community to deliver provision at Zoe’s Place through its Starting Well project, which provides support for expectant and new fathers from across the Liverpool City Region.
