Anthony Joshua shows his caring side as he hands out gifts at children’s hospital and hails ‘hero’ NHS staff

ANTHONY Joshua dished out Christmas presents during a surprise visit to a children's hospital.

The two-time heavyweight boxing champion stunned poorly children on the Kids Starfish ward at Watford General Hospital and hailed "hero" NHS staff.

During his moving visit, Joshua chatted with youngsters about sport and posed for selfies with patients and staff.

The boxing star was seen handing out gifts to beaming children as he spent hours touring the specialist ward.

He also spent time chatting to parents and West Hertfordshire NHS staff who help keep the ward operational during the festive period.

On the visit the world champ said: “Today was all about trying to put smiles on a few faces and to acknowledge the tireless work of all NHS staff across the entire nation.

"I met some amazing kids and some inspirational parents. I was
lucky Santa was available to help me hand out a few small gifts.

"Christmas can be a really tough time of year so it is important to do your bit, especially in your own local community.”

Joshua's association to the hospital goes back years - as he was born there in 1989.

As a teenager he visited the A&;E department a few times too many for his mothers liking.

Then following his Olympic triumph in 2012 he returned to open the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E Department.

Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky said: “The joy that Anthony has spread today is truly healing.

"The smiles on the faces, especially from one ten year old who woke up to see Anthony was incredible.”

Meanwhile, Ward Manager Kerry Beasley said: "Its a great thing he has done, its amazing for the staff and the patients.

"It really boosts morale and spreads Christmas spirit. We couldn't get him out!”

During the Coronavirus Pandemic Joshua led a program to gift NHS staff members at the hospital with 2,000 pieces of Under Armour kit.

The idea was to give a little bit back to the tireless efforts from staff, including medical professionals, cleaning and kitchen staff.

Clean Herts Community’s mission is to provide aid and opportunities for people of various demographics across Anthony’s home town of Watford, with a focus on young people.

The Olympic Gold Medallist has always been very passionate about providing opportunity to specifically the younger generation in his local area.

This year CHC has launched both physical and educational programs from football camps to cooking and science classes.

They also teamed up with Hollywood legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in November to give some Watford-based kids the opportunity of a life time.

And they took part in the launch of his blockbuster Christmas film Red One.

It comes as Joshua attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life.

AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London.

And head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory.

The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy's surprise bash - organised by Finchley ABC.

He posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: "Ride Or Die."

In Joshua's last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.