Jordan Henderson MBE surprised children at Springfield School this week in his role as ambassador for NHS Charities Together, by dropping in on their after-school sports club for an NHS Big Tea celebration – following their prize-winning party last year.
We were were delighted to welcome Jordan Henderson, Liverpool FC Footballer and Captain, along with our colleagues from Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP) who are based at the school.
As part of our 2022 NHS Big Tea campaign, we asked members of our local community to get involved by holding a tea party in the charity’s name. As part of the national campaign led by NHS Charities Together we were asked to nominate local schools who got involved to be in with a chance of receiving a visit from a very special guest. Springfield School, which is based in Crewe and caters for four to 19-year-olds with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties, were one of those schools and we were delighted to win the competition.
Last year’s NHS Big Tea campaign raised over £4,000 for MCH Charity’s Cancer Services campaign which secured the vital hypnotherapy service which supports around 200 people a year who may have needle phobias or anxiety related to their treatment.
As well as meeting the children, Henderson took the time to speak to CCICP staff about their roles, the difference they make for those who attend the school and refereed a small football match between our staff and the children at the school – which the children were delighted to win.
The England international, who spearheaded the PlayersTogether initiative which encouraged professional footballers to donate to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, has an affinity with the NHS after his father Brian was treated for mouth and throat cancer.
“My dad probably wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the NHS staff, he’d say that himself,” added Henderson.
“I’ve got family members who work within the NHS and know how difficult it’s been, especially over the last few years with the pandemic.
“I’ve been doing work at different hospitals up and down the country as well and it’s been amazing to see the behind-the-scenes stuff and get to see some of the staff.”
Emma Robertson, MCH Charity Manager, said: “Yesterday was such a amazing day for us, for our fantastic NHS staff who work at Springfield but most importantly for the children who got to meet Jordan. From the moment he arrived you could feel a buzz in the atmosphere and their reaction to him was really quite emotional.”
“NHS Big Tea is one of our most favourite annual events and we were delighted to have raised so much from our tea parties last year which went to our Cancer Services campaign. Winning the competition for Springfield School was the icing on the cake and we are thrilled with how it went. Huge thanks to NHS Charities Together, to Springfield School and of course to Jordan for being an absolute star.”
Thank you to CCICP colleagues and Springfield School for all their help arranging the visit. If you would like to hold a tea party in support of the charity as part of the NHS Big Tea 75 campaign please email charity@mcht.nhs.uk or click here to register or to find out more.