The Liverpool squad have kept with tradition and lifted the spirits of children, parents and staff at Alder Hey hospital by making a virtual visit.
Every festive period, the Reds squad customarily make the short trip to the world-renowned children's hospital in West Derby which delivers vital care for more than 330,000 children and young people, along with their families, every year.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic meant the players were unable to visit in person this year but that was never going to stand in the way of them spreading some Christmas cheer and meeting some of the youngsters undergoing treatment.
Several members of the squad including captain Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho chatted to patients, parents and staff via videolink.
They were able to do so thanks to the telemedicine robot, an innovative piece of equipment funded by the Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
The technology has been hugely beneficial throughout the pandemic, allowing vital treatment to continue while reducing the need for clinicians to be physically at a patient’s bedside.
As you can see from the club's video, the players took turns to dial into the hospital live and also shared gifts and participated in one or two sing-alongs, too.
“It’s important that even though we couldn’t be there in person, that we try to find a way – which, with the amazing technology at the hospital, we did,” Jordan Henderson told Liverpoolfc.com.
“All of the staff there, every year we go they are so good with the kids, always smiling.
"The work they do is remarkable really – especially this year with what’s been going on, of course.
“But in general, it’s an amazing, amazing hospital and everything they do is appreciated by everyone in the city and the country, I’m sure, but also from us as a club and as players.”
If you like to support the incredible work of the Alder Hey charity, you can do so HERE.
Liverpool are next back in action after Christmas when they face West Brom at Anfield on Sunday 27 December (4.30pm kick off).
