Children and families at Zoe’s Place welcomed Everton players Anthony Gordon and Tom Davies, who came to make a special Easter delivery. The Blues home-grown heroes, both born in Liverpool, brought Easter eggs and gifts having been able to visit the West Derby-based facility again for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Zoe’s Place provides respite, palliative, and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged 0-5, who have life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. As well as spending time speaking to the youngsters and their relatives, the Everton pair also met staff.
Gordon, the goalscoring hero for Frank Lampard's side in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United said: “It’s wonderful coming here, it’s the second time me and Tom have done it, we see the kids, spend some time with the families, and hear their stories. It’s incredible what the kids go through, how strong they are, and their families also.
“We spent a bit of time with the staff too, who do an amazing job here. The response has been great, the children have been so loving and warm, and everyone is so welcoming.”
READ MORE: Gheorghe Hagi, Dino Baggio and the other huge Everton transfers that didn't quite make it
READ MORE: Everton fitness boost as Yerry Mina pictured in training
Davies, who is sidelined for the rest of the current season after undergoing surgery in January for a hamstring injury, said: “The work that they do here is fantastic. For everyone involved, it’s just such a very loving and caring place for the kids to come to, and for the families to get some rest. It’s also close to where I grew up, and the work that they are doing here touches my heart.
“We brought some Easter eggs to wish everyone here a happy Easter, and just to see some of the kids, which is great for them too, to see a new face. We try and bring a bit of fun and energy to the place, and the kids do too! It’s great to see them and all the staff, with how hard they work.”
Michelle Wright, Head of Care at Zoe’s Place said: “It’s just fantastic for the children and their families, it just means the world to them, it really lifts them up, and just shows the support for Zoe’s place. Our families go through a lot every day, looking after children with complex needs, and what we try and do is provide a bit of respite support for them, during difficult times. It means the world to get visits like we’ve had today, and the support from Everton Football Club, and we thank them very much.”
