West Ham stars surprised patients, their families and a number of Hammers fans on a recent trip to our hospitals giving them a well needed boost this Christmas.

Players Max Kilman, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings and Andy Irving arrived at Queen's, whilst their teammates Niclas Füllkrug, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Alphonse Areola visited King George Hospital.

The players met and handed out presents to patients, their families and our staff on our children’s wards and a number of our adult wards.

They also posed for photos and selfies as well as signing shirts, player cards and various other items.

12-year-old Hammers fan, Tyler, couldn’t believe some of his favourite players were at the end of his bed after a short stay on Tropical Lagoon Ward.

He said: “I was really happy to see the players because I’ve been here since Friday, and seeing the players has made my time here a lot better and put a smile on my face. They brought some good gifts and presents, which was really kind, and this sort of visit has been a real bonus.

“I went to the Manchester United game [in October], which was great—especially as we won!”

Rylea Clarke-Peel, aged 9, is also a big West Ham fan. He was in hospital earlier this year after breaking his femur during football training.

He said: “It was amazing, it was the first time I have ever met football players in real life”.

Hammers vice-captain Aaron Cresswell said: “It is an important time for a lot of us and our families, and these are the things we love doing the most, and it’s amazing to give back to hospitals and put smiles on faces.”

Fellow defender Max Kilman added: “You can see how much it means to the kids, and they all were very happy to see us. I hope those memories go some way towards creating a special Christmas for them and their families, and it was great to see some West Ham fans too.”

Among the areas visited were Iris, Erica and Bluebell A – our three gold accredited wards. Iris Ward Manager Sinead Skelton, said: “The visit was very exciting for patients who were football fans.

“I think we underestimate the value and the impact that this really has on patients and our staff. There’s a real buzz.

“Some of them are recovering cancer patients and they have been through quite a journey so it was so lovely of West Ham to come in and do this and we really appreciate the sentiment”.