Leighton Baines visits young Alder Hey patients picked to lead Everton and Leicester City out for Premier League clash

Young patients at Alder Hey hospital will lead Everton out at next game
Defender Leighton Baines visited the children to reveal the good news
The left back recently returned to action for the Toffees after injury lay-off

Published:
20:56 GMT, 14 December 2015

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Updated:
02:24 GMT, 15 December 2015

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Everton defender Leighton Baines paid a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to deliver good news to 22 young patients.

The Toffees left back is an Alder Hey patron and invited the youngsters to be Everton’s 22 Little Heroes for next Saturday’s home clash with Leicester City.

Each patient will escort a player onto the Goodison Park pitch ahead of kick-off as Roberto Martinez’s side look to return to winning ways following three straight draws.

Everton left back Leighton Baines paid a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to deilver good news on Monday

Several young patients have been selected to lead the Toffees out against Leicester City next Saturday

The children chosen to attend the Premier League fixture were selected by nurses and staff at the Merseyside hospital.

Baines, who recently returned to action following an ankle injury in the 1-1 draw away to Norwich, said: ‘Every single one of the children’s stories is inspiring. They’ve been through some really difficult times, not just the kids but their families too, so we’re really honoured to be able to give them a special day at Goodison.

‘They’re all big Evertonians so it means a lot to them, and from talking to some of the children it seems they’re really excited about it.

‘As a club, we’ve always had a close relationship with Alder Hey and that usually involves us paying the children a visit in hospital so it’s great to give these 22 special young people that opportunity to forget everything for a day and give them some really special memories.’

Alder Hey Children’s Charity supports the work of the hospital by raising much-needed funds that are spent directly on initiatives to benefit patients.

The charity has already raised over £20m for the new hospital – providing lifesaving equipment, vital research and arts and play activities – but still needs help to fund child-friendly environments in wards and waiting areas and to support innovation and research in the new hospital.