Reds support Claire House

Academy stars Marc Pelosi, Sheyi Ojo and goalkeeper Ryan Fulton paid a special trip across the Mersey to take part in the activities with the kids.

The aim of Claire House Children's Hospice is to enhance the quality of life for children and young people with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, offering a high quality service, with both personal and professional support.

[SLIDESHOW]

Clair Bedford, relationships manager at Claire House, said: "It's lovely to have visitors of any calibre but it's extra special for us to have Liverpool players come down, as they are of a similar age to the people we have here.

"The support we had from the LFC Foundation has been invaluable and we are so grateful for their support.

"Claire House exists to support the children and the families and it costs £2.7 million a year to keep this facility going.

"Claire House wouldn't be here without the generosity of the public. There are so many ways that people can donate to us. They can still write a good old fashioned cheque and pop it in the post, they can do it online and via text."

For the Liverpool Academy, visiting facilities like Claire House is a regular occurrence, and education and welfare officer Clive Cook insists it's so important to educate the young players on the broader issues in life away from the pitch.

Cook added: "This is massive for the players and the community work is a vital part of their development plan and it's an honour to be here.

"Marc, Sheyi and Ryan have had their own challenges in their career, and it's good for the lads to come here and show their support to children who have difficulties to cope with on a daily basis.

"This is a fantastic facility and they do such tremendous work."

As for the players, they were genuinely humbled as they took time to speak with the staff and do drawings and paintings for the children.

England youth international winger Ojo, who came to Liverpool from MK Dons, said: "This is a great facility and it was interesting to see how their lifestyles compare so different for us and paying them a visit is the least we can do."

Last season's Youth Cup stopper Fulton added: "It was an absolute pleasure to come down here and take part in the activities and meet the kids.

"Seeing them have a smile on their face makes it all worthwhile and it's important we help out when we can."

American midfielder Pelosi knows only too well what it's like to appreciate life as a Liverpool player after a long spell on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a horrific incident back in February.

Thanks to the care of the Academy staff, Pelosi is back on the road to recovery and has set himself a target of a return to action before the end of the calendar year.

He said: "It's really important to come down to Claire House and see the work they do with the kids which I have to say is unbelievable.

"It is great to see the kids and it is a humbling experience for us. It shows you about life away from football."

Click here to make a donation and read more about Claire House>>