Spreading festive cheer
As the pressure mounts on our hardworking NHS once again, our generous partners at local Premier League Club, West Ham United, have worked on a range of festive initiatives to bring some moments of joy to patients and staff at Barts Health NHS Trust.
Last week, Hammers fans working across our hospitals were invited to watch a training session at Rush Green and the Europa League match against Dinamo Zagreb the following evening.
Abdurrahman Anwar, Chaplain at Newham Hospital meets Declan Rice
Spreading festive cheer
As the pressure mounts on our hardworking NHS once again, our generous partners at local Premier League Club, West Ham United, have worked on a range of festive initiatives to bring some moments of joy to patients and staff at Barts Health NHS Trust.
Last week, Hammers fans working across our hospitals were invited to watch a training session at Rush Green and the Europa League match against Dinamo Zagreb the following evening.
The NHS staff meet Mark Noble and David Martin
Making dreams come true
Five lucky staff were chosen by a prize draw to attend the events. During the training session they got to meet some of their Hammers heroes like Declan Rice, Mark Noble, David Martin and Manager David Moyes.
Annette Bailey, a Sister in the Paediatric A&E at Whipps Cross was one of the attendees. She says: “I have been a West Ham fan since my Dad took me to my first West Ham game in the 70s. It has been a hard couple of years and this has made me feel like a kid again. Thank you to Barts Charity and West Ham for making my dream come true.”
Annette Bailey, a Sister in the Paediatric A&E at Whipps Cross Hospital meets Pablo Fornals
Mutual appreciation
Abdurrahman Anwar, Chaplain at Newham Hospital adds: ‘It was great experience, I’ve always driven by the training ground, never thought I would be able to go inside and meet the players and staff.
The players and staff were so humble, they came over and talked to us and took pics with us. Everyone was so appreciative of the NHS and the great work we are doing, they kept on thanking us!
Thank you to Barts Charity, Barts Health NHS Trust and West Ham United for the opportunity. It was an honour to represent Barts Health.”
A very special Q&A
The Hammers also delivered presents for all the children at Newham Hospital and player Declan Rice kindly took part in a video Q&A with patients, staff and families.
England and West Ham Utd Midfielder Declan Rice answers questions from Barts Health staff, patients and families
Thank you, West Ham United
Throughout the pandemic, West Ham United have gone above and beyond in supporting us, offering our Barts Health NHS staff and patients opportunities to have calls with the players and attend matches. Captain Mark Noble was also the face of our campaign to get East Londoners to wear a badge in support of Barts Charity.
We are so grateful for their support.