Fulham players make Christmas wishes come true at The Children’s Trust

Fulham players Stefan Johansen, Matt Smith, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Sone Aluko, Tim Ream and Tom Cairney visited The Children’s Trust yesterday to meet some young fans and to give out some very special Christmas gifts.

The children, who are currently staying at The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, were thrilled to see the players at their visit to the rehabilitation centre in Tadworth.

This is particularly true for 16-year-old Liam.

Liam is a football fanatic who, before coming to The Children’s Trust, has previously played at academy level for Crystal Palace for ten years.

Since acquiring a brain injury, Liam has battled with fatigue and memory difficulties, but he is determined to be back on the field playing with friends.

Fulham’s Tom Cairney, Liam who is at The Children’s Trust for rehabilitation and player Matt Smith.

Liam’s mum, Sarah, said, “This visit has been amazing for Liam. Football is his passion so meeting professional players and being able to say he has played with them is a dream come true!

“This has been a lovely Christmas treat for us all.”

Kathryn Watson from the Play and Leisure Team at The Children’s Trust, added, “Having the Fulham football players visit has been a brilliant boost for the children and their families who are often going through a tough time while they are here.

“Some of the children who are particularly big football fans even challenged the players to a kickabout. I am sure it is something we will all remember for a long time.”

Fulham forward Sone Aluko commented on his visit, “We hope that the visit today played some small part in lifting the spirits of the children and families who are at The Children’s Trust over Christmas.

“We cannot imagine how tough it must be for parents and families, especially at this time of year, so I really hope that they are able to enjoy some time together and I’m sure that the fantastic staff – some of whom we met today – will be doing their utmost to make that happen.”