Patients at the Evelina were given an early festive treat when members of
‘Team GB’ visited.

Diver Blake Aldridge, who finished eighth in the synchronized diving in Beijing
with his partner, 14 year old Tom Daley; Jeanette Kwakye, who scooped sixth place
in the 100 metres; and Judo competitor Winston Gordon all spent time with
the children and gave them signed Christmas cards.

The visit was arranged by Sports for Schools in conjunction with the Appeal.

The athletes visited children in the Evelina school and answered questions the children had prepared about the Olympics, their training and experiences as athletes.

The athletes also visited children on the wards, including those Evelina patients who had competed in the UK Transplant Games.

Blake Aldridge said: “The children in the Evelina are real fighters - their strength and determination to get better means that all of them are winners. I hope that our visit has helped inspire them to follow their passions when they leave hospital – and who knows, maybe they’ll be representing the country in the future!”

Jeanette Kwayke said: “It’s been a privilege to visit the Evelina; it is such a special hospital and the children gave us a very warm reception. I really enjoy doing visits like this and helping to get the message out that sport is for everybody to enjoy - you don’t need to be a top athlete to keep healthy and have fun.”

Grenville Fox, Director of Children’s Services at the hospital said: “We are very grateful to the sports stars for coming and sharing their experiences with us. As well as helping children to get better, we are always keen to give our patients the very best experience when they come to the Evelina, and visits like this help make the children feel special and give them a focus outside their treatment.”

Jeanette, Winston and Blake in the hospital atrium	The Olympians say hello to baby Ryan

The team cheer dialysis patient Aleena up