Sports

Anthony Joshua pays heartwarming visit to children’s ward at Watford hospital where he was born to hand out Christmas presents

British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua brought festive cheer to Watford General Hospital on Thursday afternoon, spreading smiles and goodwill to children and staff on the Kids Starfish ward.

The two-time heavyweight world champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the ward as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded to uplift his hometown of Watford.

The 35-year-old, who has a personal connection to the hospital—having been born there in 1989—has a long history of giving back to the local community, and this Christmas visit was no exception.

Joshua spent hours on the ward, handing out gifts to young patients and sharing stories with their families before speaking exclusively to Mail Sport about his gesture. 

‘Today we went to visit Watford General Hospital’, AJ explained. ‘There were a few kids there on the ward. Some have serious illnesses and some other were actually going home today which was nice to hear.

‘The purpose of the trip was to try and show them that we acknowledge them. We went there with some gifts to brighten up their days. I always try to put myself back to when I was four years and if someone came down with some gifts it would have made my day. 

Anthony Joshua brought festive cheer to Watford General Hospital on Thursday afternoon

He was seen spreading smiles and goodwill to children and staff on the Kids Starfish ward

He was seen spreading smiles and goodwill to children and staff on the Kids Starfish ward

The two-time heavyweight world champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the ward as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded

The two-time heavyweight world champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the ward as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded 

‘We brought Santa Clause down as well. I’m sure those four years old’s don’t even know who I am. Santa Claus is the main attraction. When he gave them some gifts, their faces lit up.’

He went on to add: ‘Look, we’re local so we thought, we’ll make it happen. And that was the whole purpose of this organisation. To have these type of initiatives. When I first started looking for things to do and ways to give back, I found it hard. It was hard to find the right thing. 

‘So, we just decided to do it ourselves and this was another thing we ticked off today. Another way to bring some cheer and brighten up the kids’ day. I hope it made some people’s day and I think it did, so that makes me happy.’ 

Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the ward, especially on one young boy who woke up to find the boxing superstar by his side.

‘The joy Anthony has spread is truly healing,’ she said. ‘The smile on that ten-year-old’s face was priceless.’

Ward Manager Kerry Beasley also expressed gratitude, noting the boost Joshua’s visit gave to both the staff and patients.

‘It’s amazing for everyone—both the staff and the patients. It really lifts morale and spreads the Christmas spirit,’ she said. ‘We couldn’t get him out!’

This visit is just the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by Joshua. His work with Clean Hearts Community, which aims to create opportunities for young people in Watford, has seen him launch a range of physical and educational programs this year, from football camps to cooking and science classes.

AJ, who has a personal connection to the hospital—having been born there in 1989—has a long history of giving back to the local community, and this Christmas visit was no exception

AJ, who has a personal connection to the hospital—having been born there in 1989—has a long history of giving back to the local community, and this Christmas visit was no exception

Joshua spent hours on the ward, handing out gifts to young patients and sharing stories with their families before speaking exclusively to Mail Sport about his gesture

Joshua spent hours on the ward, handing out gifts to young patients and sharing stories with their families before speaking exclusively to Mail Sport about his gesture

Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the ward, especially on one young boy who woke up to find the boxing superstar by his side

Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the ward, especially on one young boy who woke up to find the boxing superstar by his side

This visit is just the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by the 35-year-old heavyweight

This visit is just the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by the 35-year-old heavyweight

His dedication to giving back to his community is unwavering, and his work during the coronavirus pandemic, where he gifted 2,000 pieces of Under Armour kit to NHS staff, further highlights his commitment to supporting those who work tirelessly on the frontlines.

Joshua’s connection to Watford General Hospital runs deep. Beyond being born there, he has visited the hospital throughout his life, even returning after his Olympic triumph in 2012 to unveil the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E department.

This festive period, Joshua’s Christmas visit was more than just about gifts—it was about spreading love and making sure the children and families at Watford General Hospital knew they were not alone.

Joshua previously shared with Sky Sports his personal traditions during the holiday season. He mentioned that he doesn’t typically receive a stocking and only occasionally treats himself to a glass of Champagne on a quiet morning.

However, he revealed a fondness for Home Alone, calling it his favorite holiday film, and confessed that Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ is his go-to festive tune.

This year, AJ plans to fully enjoy the celebrations, a contrast to last December when he was deep in training for his ‘Day of Reckoning’ bout against Otto Wallin. Now, with the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury on the horizon, he’s strategising his next steps following his loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

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