British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua brought festive cheer to Watford General Hospital on Thursday afternoon, spreading smiles and goodwill to children and staff at the Kids Starfish ward.
The two-time world heavyweight champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the neighborhood as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded to improve his hometown of Watford.
The 35-year-old, who has a personal connection to the hospital (he was born there in 1989), has a long history of contributing 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 some children there in the room. Some have serious illnesses and others were going home today, which was nice to hear.
‘The objective of the trip was to try to show them that we recognize them. We went there with some gifts to brighten their days. I always try to go back to when I was four years old and if someone had come 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 the children and staff at the Kids Starfish pavilion.
The two-time world heavyweight champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the pavilion as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded.
‘We also knocked down Santa Claus. I’m sure those four year olds don’t even know who I am. Santa Claus is the main attraction. When he gave them some gifts, their faces lit up.”
He continued, adding, “Look, we’re local, so we thought, we’ll make it happen.” And that was the whole purpose of this organization. Have these types of initiatives. When I started looking for things to do and ways to give back, I found it difficult. It was difficult to find the right thing.
‘So we decided to do it ourselves and this was another thing we marked today. Another way to brighten the children’s day. “I hope it brightened some people’s day and I think it did, so that makes me happy.”
Pediatric consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the ward, especially on one child who woke up to find the boxing superstar at his side.
“The joy that 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 her gratitude and highlighted the boost Joshua’s visit gave to both staff and patients.
‘It’s amazing for everyone, both staff and patients. “It really boosts morale and spreads the Christmas spirit,” he said. We couldn’t get it out!
This visit is just the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by Joshua, his sister Nikita and Charlott Saunders. 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 (he was born there in 1989), has a long history of contributing 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.
Pediatric consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the ward, especially on one child who woke up to find the boxing superstar at his side.
This visit is just the latest in a long line of charitable endeavors from the 35-year-old heavyweight.
His dedication to giving back to his community is unwavering, and his work during the coronavirus pandemic, where he gave away 2,000 pieces of Under Armor kit to NHS staff, further highlights his commitment to supporting those working tirelessly on the frontline.
Joshua’s connection to Watford General Hospital runs deep. Beyond being born there, he has visited the hospital throughout his life, returning even after his Olympic triumph in 2012 to inaugurate the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s Emergency Department.
This festive period, Joshua’s Christmas visit was about more than just 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 Christmas season. He mentioned that he doesn’t normally get stockings and only occasionally indulges in a glass of champagne on a quiet morning.
However, he revealed his affection for Home Alone, calling it his favorite Christmas movie, and confessed that Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ is his favorite holiday tune.
This year, AJ plans to fully enjoy the celebrations, in contrast to last December when he was training deeply for his ‘Judgment Day’ fight against Otto Wallin. Now, with the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury on the horizon, he is planning his next steps after his loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley.