Children receiving treatment at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital spent the afternoon with their Newcastle United heroes during a special ward visit.
Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Alex Murphy visited a children’s ward at the hospital last week, ahead of Trippier making his final appearance for the Magpies at the end of the 2025/26 season.
The players spent time with children receiving dialysis treatment, playing games and taking part in physical activity adapted to be inclusive and accessible while they received medical care.
The visit highlighted Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle Hospitals Charity’s long-standing partnership to fund and support dedicated staff members working within the hospital, providing vital respite and activity sessions for children living with chronic illnesses.
The Newcastle United trio saw first-hand the impact of the collaboration, which helps young people socialise and engage in physical activity through a shared passion for Newcastle United.
Melissa Scott, Project Coordinator at Great North Children’s Hospital for Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Collaborating with Newcastle United is incredibly important for the young people we work with, because they see their heroes getting involved and supporting their community here in Newcastle.
“It can be transformational to have role models like Kieran, Joelinton and Alex spending time with young people and helping them create positive memories, especially when the children we support are going through intense physical and emotional challenges.
“We saw the smiles and heard so much laughter on the ward during the visit, so we know it’s been a meaningful visit for these patients.”
She added: “Support and funding from Newcastle Hospitals Charity to base Foundation staff in paediatric wards is vital because it allows us to inspire and lift children and families who will engage with us because of their support for Newcastle United.
“It has been fantastic to see the encouragement the players give our participants and together with Newcastle Hospitals Charity, we can provide more opportunities to bring Newcastle United closer to the community.”
Children on the ward showed Trippier, Joelinton and Murphy some of the games they play together while receiving treatment, including curling and archery, with parents sharing their experiences with the players.
Teri Bayliss, Charity Director said: “Our partnership with Newcastle United Foundation has made a real difference to the young patients across The Great North Children’s Hospital. We know that taking part in meaningful and engaging activities not only breaks up long stretches of time on the ward, but can improve both physical and mental health.
“Alongside this, it also gives us the opportunity to create memorable experiences that mean so much to patients and families.”
The group also answered questions from all patients, explaining their day-to-day as a men’s first team player and how they stay motivated during tough times. Patients also gave Trippier a special good-luck card they had made, which read: ‘We will miss you’.
Trippier has been a keen supporter of the Foundation’s work in the community during his time at Newcastle United, visiting a number of programmes and making multiple visits to the Great North Children’s Hospital.
For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X for regular news and updates.
