Red and green might be the traditional Christmas colours but it was claret and blue that brought some early festive cheer to sick children at Newham University Hospital.
West Ham players Kevin Nolan, Stewart Downing, James Tomkins, James Collins, Mauro Zarate, Matt Jarvis, Diego Poyet and Alex Song all took a break from training to visit Rainbow Ward to meet their young fans.
The group handed out goodie bags containing gifts such as games and mini-footballs before posing for dozens of photographs.
Midfielder Song, who has two sons himself, said: “If you can give something small to the youngsters and their families, I think that’s very important.
“If you can give them warmth and make them feel very happy at Christmas time, then that is great.”
Even ward manager (and Man U fan) Josephine Bakah was pleased to meet the star players.
“Children are children and whether they are ill or they are well, they always smile, but to see the players has given them a boost,” she said.
“It’s a great pleasure for them and their parents to have West Ham come in here.”
Seven players, including Andy Carroll, Aaron Cresswell and Jussi Jaaskelainen and Morgan Amalfitan visited Richard House children’s hospice yesterday.
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