Players from both the men’s and women’s teams visited hospitals including North Mid, Whittington and Barnet

Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons of Tottenham Hotspur visit North Middlesex Hospital’s children's ward — Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons of Tottenham Hotspur visit North Middlesex Hospital’s children’s ward

Stars from Tottenham Hotspur’s men’s and women’s teams brought some festive cheer to young patients at hospitals across North London in the run-up to Christmas.

Players spent time at five hospitals – including North Middlesex, Whittington and Barnet – where they personally delivered gifts to young patients on the children’s wards.

Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson visited Barnet, while Xavi Simons and Joao Palhinha headed to North Middlesex, the club’s local hospital, surprising a young Spurs fan who was moved to tears at their arrival.

Ben said: “We’re incredibly lucky to be in the position that we’re in, so it’s important that we try and do what we can to put some smiles on the faces of the families that are currently facing a difficult festive period.”

Joao added: “For me personally it is important as a player to have these appearances, not just for myself but also for my teammates who have joined in other visits this week. It is a special moment for us, and it always puts things into perspective – it is great that the Club is so involved in its community.”

Matilda Vinberg, Lize Kop and Amanda Nilden were joined by women’s head coach Martin Ho at Whittington Hospital in Archway. Martin said: “It absolutely puts things into perspective, and that is why as a playing group and a staffing group we have come to show our love and support to these families.

“We have a wonderful job in what we do, and we want to show as a Club and as a team that we are here for these families during a difficult time in their lives.”

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