SUPER Eagles ace, John Mikel Obi and his Chelsea mates put behind their EPL poor form behind as they popped in for a surprise visit at patients at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for a festive treat on Wednesday.The Nigerian has been present at the event for a number of years now and he was delighted to help put a smile on so many faces.The players brought smiles to the faces of the youngsters by handing out gift bags full of treats and chatting to the children, who will sadly be spending the Christmas period in hospital, before happily posing for photographs and signing autographs.
"It’s always good to come here and see the kids and give them early Christmas presents and spend time with them at this time of the year," Mikel said.
"We know how much it means to them."
The annual visit is an opportunity for the players to spread some much-needed joy to those who are going through difficult situations and, according to Gary Cahill, it's a day which is hugely important for all involved.
‘The visit is something we do every year and it’s brilliant to see the smiles on the faces of the children when we arrive, especially with it being so close to Christmas,’ said the defender.
‘Having a child in hospital means it’s obviously a really tough time for the families as well, so if we can help give them a little lift it makes a difference.
‘The children all seemed really happy to see us and one boy even gave us all a little present, which was a very nice touch and really meant a lot. It’s always a day the players look forward to every year.’
Once the Hospital visit had ended, the players made the short journey back to Stamford Bridge for the Bridge Kids Christmas party, which took place in the Drake Suite.
Over 200 junior members, plus 20 children who have had a difficult year and were guests of the Chelsea Foundation, were already enjoying party food and music when the players walked in to deafening cheers.
Split into four groups, they moved around the tables posing for photographs with the excitable youngsters and signing shirts and images.
At the end of the event John Terry took the microphone to wish everyone present a Happy Christmas. He then handed it over to Diego Costa, whose name the children had chanted at regular intervals, and after a quick Portuguese lesson the striker too wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Photo credit chelseafc.com
