Liverpool players and staff took time out of their preparations for the hectic Festive fixture schedule to spread some Christmas cheer around the wards of Alder Hey children's hospital today.
The Reds donned their Santa hats to make their annual visit to the local hospital and spend time with children who are likely to remain on the wards throughout the Christmas period and beyond.
After being spilt into groups, the entire first-team squad and management staff set off around the various wards of the hospital to ensure as many kids as possible got the chance to meet their heroes.
And as well as chatting, posing for photographs and signing autographs for excited patients and their delighted family members, the squad also took the opportunity to play Father Christmas for the afternoon as they delivered a wide range of LFC presents to the children.
Speaking to Liverpooolfc.tv, boss Roy Hodgson admitted he was thrilled for the club to be able to give something back ahead of the holiday period.
"I think it's a very good tradition that the club have kept up for many years now," he said.
"It's great we have the opportunity to come in and give Christmas presents to the children and spend time with them and their families.
"You see so many children who have just had operations or are not in a very good condition, so it's important if we can do anything at all just by being here then it's fantastic.
"It's great for us that we've done something worthwhile for the children by offering something so very little in giving up a bit of our time and spending time talking to them.
"If our visit can do any good then fantastic."
Skipper Steven Gerrard added: "It's a difficult time, so the least we can do is come and give up a couple of hours of our time, bring the children some presents and try to lift their spirits for Christmas.
"There are a lot of Liverpool fans in hospital, which is not nice to see, but if we can put a smile on their face and try to cheer them up a bit then we've done our job."
It was certainly a poignant afternoon for the Liverpool stars - and the mood of the squad was summed up by Lucas Leiva.
The Brazilian wrote on social networking site Twitter: "You leave the hospital and realize how good your life is. I could see a lot of children fighting to be alive."
Our photographer was with the players to snap the Liverpool stars bringing Christmas cheer to the hospital wards.
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