Hibs Players and Staff Visit Edinburgh Children’s Hospital!

Lee Johnson and the full First Team squad visited the Children’s Hospital for a special surprise visit, meeting with the children, families and NHS staff on the ward.

The squad split up into two different groups, to ensure they met as many of the children as possible, handing out various different Christmas goodies along the way – including Hibs scarves, merchandise and selection boxes.

The players and staff spent the afternoon getting to know the hospital staff on the wards, chatting with the kids and their families and stayed behind for a few photos and signatures!

The annual visit is organised by NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and this is the first time the players have been able to visit the hospital in person since 2019 due to Covid, making the occasion even more memorable.

Speaking to hiberninanfc.co.uk at the hospital, Hibs Manager Lee Johnson said:

“First and foremost we’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of the children and fantastic staff here at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. It has been great to see the joy on the kids, parents and staff’s faces and it certainly gives us a lift.

“Naturally, it has been so humbling, sometimes we are in our own bubble – playing football every day – but we realise there is a whole other side to the world going on. The great news is that through the good work of all the staff here a lot of these kids will hopefully be out for Christmas which is so nice for us to hear.

“We would like to thank all the staff, parents, and kids on the wards today for hosting us on what has been a lovely afternoon.”

Hibs midfielder, Joe Newell added: “Obviously, nobody wants to be in hospital around Christmas time so we have just come here to try and spread a bit of Christmas cheer and put some smiles on faces - it has been really heart-warming for us.

“It is important as a Club that we continue to do as many of these visits as we can. We know the impact that we can have on the local community and around Edinburgh so little things like this can really make a big difference.”

Pippa Johnston, Director at ECHC, said: “The football team visits to the hospital are always a huge hit so it is wonderful to be able to welcome them back in person this year. Some of the children (and staff!) are avid supporters of Hibs so it really makes their day to meet their favourite players.

To find out more about ECHC’s Redirected Letters to Santa Christmas appeal and to donate, CLICK HERE!

Allister Short, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at NHS Lothian added: “The Hibs players created a real buzz of excitement around the RHCYP wards and we would like to thank them for bringing a smile to everyone’s faces.

“NHS Lothian staff consider these visits to be amongst the highlights of the year which are a real treat for everyone.”