Photos: Captain visits children's refuge
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard conducted an emotional tour of a leading children's refuge in the Faro region of Portugal on Monday afternoon, before pledging his support to the youngsters he encountered.
The 33-year-old took a break from preparations for the Steven Gerrard Foundation charity golf event, which will take place on Wednesday, June 26, to visit the Refugio Aboim Ascensao.
More than 2,500 children have been temporarily homed at the refuge since 1985 and received support following cases of abuse, domestic violence or abandonment.
A total of 92 staff members - 24 of whom hold university degrees - care for up to 90 young people at any given time at the expansive building, which has previously been visited by Princess Diana and Princess Margaret.
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Children aged up to six are welcomed into the refuge and live there for an unlimited time until the natural family or an adopted family are deemed capable of taking responsibility.
Reds midfielder Gerrard met many of the 82 children currently being cared for at the refuge today during a lengthy tour of the premises with the director of the organisation, Dr Luis Villas-Boas.
"It's mixed emotions really - it's a fantastic place and you can see an awful lot of time, effort and money has gone into this place to make it the place it is," Gerrard said afterwards.
"It's a fantastic environment for the children. But, on the other hand as well, it's quite sad and touching; some of the stories you hear, of why the kids have come here and what's happened to them, make you sad.
"One of the big events we have is based in Portugal, we have a family home out here and I've made some good friends - they made me aware of the place.
"We have a big fundraiser out here so it's only right that a large part of the financial rewards stay here in Portugal and help the children that are local. That's only fair.
"Having come here today, that makes me believe it's the right decision to do that because these kids need a lot of help. They get a lot of love, care and attention but for these places to continue to run the way they do, they need help from people like myself. I feel really proud to help them.
"It hits home a lot. I'm very lucky that my kids are in a good position, but all over the world a lot of children are not. This place gives you a flavour of some of the things that happen in the world today.
"It's heartbreaking to hear the stories when you hear that kids are being abused, suffering in homes with violence, some kids are not well, some kids are abandoned.
"When you've got your own kids, it hits home that little bit more. That's the reason why I set up the foundation and why we have these big events - to do our little bit to help."
Find out more about the Steven Gerrard Foundation>>
Find out more about the Refugio Aboim Ascensao>>
The Steven Gerrard Foundation is aiming to raise money for local children in Portugal and at home in the UK this week with its golf fundraiser; Jamie Carragher, Harry Kewell, Gary McAllister and Neil Mellor are among those scheduled to compete.
Asked about the importance of Gerrard's visit and support, Villas-Boas explained: "Steven is a very good-hearted person, a father of three children, a very reputed human being before being a great player in the UK.
"Whatever he has been asking and enquiring, we tell him what we do for these children.
"The Prime Minister of Portugal and the government know this place and they want to follow my dream. My dream is that one day Portugal will have 25 to 30 homes like this; with 25 to 30 homes like this, you would have 2,500 children temporarily sheltered and permanently supported this way."