Southend United staff and players made special visits to local charity Havens Hospices last week to spread some cheer to those receiving care over the festive period.
After the club’s successful ‘United In Giving’ campaign, which raised vital funds for Havens Hospices, Head Coach Kevin Maher took half of the squad to Little Havens, the children’s hospice for Essex, on Monday 16th December, with the other half attending Fair Havens, the charity’s adult hospice, on Tuesday 17th December to see first-hand the incredible care that’s provided to those that need it.
Supporters and partners of the club generously donated £3,938 to the campaign, with those contributions then matched by the club to raise a total of £7,876, showcasing the collective commitment to making a difference in the local community.
The players handed out gifts for those that were being cared for, and the Havens Hospices staff providing it, taking time to chat with patients and families alike and putting smiles on faces. Meanwhile, the remaining donations will go towards the charity’s Big Christmas ‘Yes!’ appeal, which will help Havens Hospices continue providing specialist care and support for those living with incurable conditions during the festive period. The charity is not part of the NHS and receives limited government funding - 71% of the money Havens Hospices needs to care for people in the community comes from donations.
Reflecting on the visit, Kevin Maher said: “It’s a brilliant thing for the club to do. For the players as well, it’s really good to give them a perspective on things, which is really important.
“In our football world, we can be in a little bubble, so it’s a privilege to do things like this. Havens is full of amazing people and the staff that work there are unbelievable. It’s a pretty amazing place.”
Lydia Plews, Business Development Manager at Havens Hospices said: “The support Havens Hospices has received from Southend United Football Club is nothing short of amazing. Thanks to the generous donation from the club and its fans, Havens Hospices can continue saying ‘Yes!’ to every family this festive season, helping them to create treasured memories during the most difficult times.
“We’re also so grateful to every single member of the Southend United team for visiting both of our hospices - it was such a special day for the children, adults and families we are caring for, as well as our staff and volunteers. Watching the whole team take time to chat and spread joy to everyone at the hospices, including life-long Southend United fans, really did bring lots of smiles to faces – a beautiful reminder of the strength and spirit of our community when we come together.”
Supporters can view a selection of photos below, along with a video from our time at Little Havens. Another video will be released on Christmas Eve featuring the squad’s trip to Fair Havens.
www.southendunited.co.uk
After the club’s successful ‘United In Giving’ campaign, which raised vital funds for Havens Hospices, Head Coach Kevin Maher took half of the squad to Little Havens, the children’s hospice for Essex, on Monday 16th December, with the other half attending Fair Havens, the charity’s adult hospice, on Tuesday 17th December to see first-hand the incredible care that’s provided to those that need it.
Supporters and partners of the club generously donated £3,938 to the campaign, with those contributions then matched by the club to raise a total of £7,876, showcasing the collective commitment to making a difference in the local community.
The players handed out gifts for those that were being cared for, and the Havens Hospices staff providing it, taking time to chat with patients and families alike and putting smiles on faces. Meanwhile, the remaining donations will go towards the charity’s Big Christmas ‘Yes!’ appeal, which will help Havens Hospices continue providing specialist care and support for those living with incurable conditions during the festive period. The charity is not part of the NHS and receives limited government funding - 71% of the money Havens Hospices needs to care for people in the community comes from donations.
Reflecting on the visit, Kevin Maher said: “It’s a brilliant thing for the club to do. For the players as well, it’s really good to give them a perspective on things, which is really important.
“In our football world, we can be in a little bubble, so it’s a privilege to do things like this. Havens is full of amazing people and the staff that work there are unbelievable. It’s a pretty amazing place.”
Lydia Plews, Business Development Manager at Havens Hospices said: “The support Havens Hospices has received from Southend United Football Club is nothing short of amazing. Thanks to the generous donation from the club and its fans, Havens Hospices can continue saying ‘Yes!’ to every family this festive season, helping them to create treasured memories during the most difficult times.
“We’re also so grateful to every single member of the Southend United team for visiting both of our hospices - it was such a special day for the children, adults and families we are caring for, as well as our staff and volunteers. Watching the whole team take time to chat and spread joy to everyone at the hospices, including life-long Southend United fans, really did bring lots of smiles to faces – a beautiful reminder of the strength and spirit of our community when we come together.”
Supporters can view a selection of photos below, along with a video from our time at Little Havens. Another video will be released on Christmas Eve featuring the squad’s trip to Fair Havens.
Shrimpers squad visit Havens Hospices
The official website of Southend United FC
www.southendunited.co.uk
