Chelsea star Havertz delivers festive gifts to children's wards

Christmas came early for young patients at St Mary's Hospital as football superstar Kai Havertz made a surprise visit to our children's wards.

The Chelsea striker, who starred for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar last year, made a special appearance to visit children at the hospital's Great Western and Grand Union wards.

Kai also brought some festive cheer to the children's outpatients department and haematology day unit as he stopped to meet young football fans and their familiesmany of whom were spending the festive period in hospital.

As well as meeting one of the world's biggest sports stars, the children also received signed Chelsea shirts, toys, games and other gifts generously donated by Kai and his partner Sophia Weber.

Every year thousands of seriously ill children from across the UK are treated at St Mary's, which provides one of the most comprehensive paediatric services in the country.

chance to meet one of their idols in real life is a truly magical thing”

The hospital's expert staff are world leaders in their field, driving clinical research and innovation to make sure children with serious injuries, illnesses and life-threatening health conditions receive outstanding care.

On top of the presents Kai and Sophia delivered, the children also received other gifts and toys donated by the Chelsea FC Foundation.

Tina Halton, a Play Specialist at St Mary's, said Kai's visit had helped to give children and staff at the hospital a real boost before Christmas.

"We're so grateful to Kai and Sophia, to the Chelsea FC Foundation and to Imperial Health Charity for organising this special visit," said Tina. "To see young patients - some of whom have been in hospital for several weekshave the chance to meet one of their idols is a truly magical thing."