Photos: Reds make Xmas Alder Hey visit
Liverpool's first-team players and staff took time out from their preparations for the busy festive period to bring some Christmas cheer to Alder Hey children's hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The Reds made their annual trip to the hospital, which is a short journey from the club's Melwood complex in West Derby, to pay a special visit to children who are facing up to the prospect of remaining on the wards for Christmas and beyond.
Accompanied by manager Brendan Rodgers, the players were more than happy to spend time with the young patients, and chat to their parents, as they toured through the wards.
Having finished their morning training session, the team departed just after lunchtime, along with club mascot Mighty Red, and arrived at Alder Hey clutching goodie bags filled with LFC gifts to hand out.
And to ensure as many of the children as possible got a chance to meet their heroes, the players split up into five groups and made their way around to dish out presents, pose for photos and sign autographs.
Afterwards, Reds manager Rodgers reflected: "It's always a very humbling experience for me coming to the hospital and seeing the people here.
"If we can give them some sort of joy while we're here, that's the purpose. It's mixed emotions when you come and see the kids.
"It gives you a sense of perspective. It's the real word. It's reality - and it makes you realise how lucky you are. You look at your own children and those closest to you and it gives you that perspective when you see some of the kids in here who have been here since birth.
"The idea is to come here and give them some joy and a little bit of hope and encouragement really, because it's never easy."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who was recently named a founding partner of Alder Hey's Children's Charity, said: "It's been the same as most years - very emotional.
"But it's fantastic to be here. It's not just about putting smiles on the children's faces but helping the parents too, because they are having a bad time. It's a difficult time of the year for them coming towards Christmas."
Luis Suarez, who earlier this year became a father for the second time, said: "We know it is a difficult time, not only for the children but for their families.
"Maybe they can smile when we come in here and they can take a present and take a photo. Hopefully it's a good moment.
"When you have children, it's different. And when you come in here and you see the children who have problems and are sick, it is difficult for the heart.
"I try my best on the football pitch, but also off the pitch, I try my best to help the children and their families."
