England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been made a founding partner of the Alder Hey Children's Charity after donating £500,000 raised from his testimonial match earlier this year.
"It's a great privilege to be able to be involved with Alder Hey and their charity," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.
"The work they do is phenomenal and the new build looks set to be even more impressive, and maybe a little less daunting visually for the children.
"I've visited Alder Hey on many occasions, and whilst the children and their families are going through such difficult times, you can also see how much work goes into making it as comfortable as possible for them.
"The children are the inspiration and will always continue to be, even with helping in the design of the new hospital, that's what makes it so special.
"I'm honoured to have been chosen as a founding partner, and an ambassador, it's a charity very close to my heart as it helps so many."
The 33-year-old Anfield legend thanked everyone who helped to raise the funds.
He added: "The money we have donated from my foundation was raised during my testimonial earlier this year.
"So for all those who came along or supported me, it's nice for them to see exactly what there money has been spent on, and know that they too have all helped make this happen."
Joint chairman for Alder Hey Children's Charity Richard Mathias said: "His donation of £500,000 from his testimonial match is just phenomenal and is just the start our new campaign needed.
"Steven has been a long time supporter of Alder Hey. He regularly visits the hospital to visit the wards and talk to the children and their parents, and his presence in the hospital gives everyone such a lift every time.
"For Steven to show his support to us with this donation is going to make such a difference."
Some of the money donated will be spent on a brain scanner, which will allow surgeons to perform detailed scans of patients during operations.
Mr Mathias added: "This is a life and death piece of equipment, and because of Steven's donation, it is something our new hospital will now have.
"It will also fund a children's play area, which will provide essential respite for both patients and visitors."
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| Steven Gerrard walks his three daughters onto the pitch prior to his testimonial match Photo: Getty Images |
"It's a great privilege to be able to be involved with Alder Hey and their charity," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.
"The work they do is phenomenal and the new build looks set to be even more impressive, and maybe a little less daunting visually for the children.
"I've visited Alder Hey on many occasions, and whilst the children and their families are going through such difficult times, you can also see how much work goes into making it as comfortable as possible for them.
"The children are the inspiration and will always continue to be, even with helping in the design of the new hospital, that's what makes it so special.
"I'm honoured to have been chosen as a founding partner, and an ambassador, it's a charity very close to my heart as it helps so many."
The 33-year-old Anfield legend thanked everyone who helped to raise the funds.
He added: "The money we have donated from my foundation was raised during my testimonial earlier this year.
"So for all those who came along or supported me, it's nice for them to see exactly what there money has been spent on, and know that they too have all helped make this happen."
Joint chairman for Alder Hey Children's Charity Richard Mathias said: "His donation of £500,000 from his testimonial match is just phenomenal and is just the start our new campaign needed.
"Steven has been a long time supporter of Alder Hey. He regularly visits the hospital to visit the wards and talk to the children and their parents, and his presence in the hospital gives everyone such a lift every time.
"For Steven to show his support to us with this donation is going to make such a difference."
Some of the money donated will be spent on a brain scanner, which will allow surgeons to perform detailed scans of patients during operations.
Mr Mathias added: "This is a life and death piece of equipment, and because of Steven's donation, it is something our new hospital will now have.
"It will also fund a children's play area, which will provide essential respite for both patients and visitors."
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