Chicha at The Christie

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez proved to be a hit with teenage cancer patients when he took the Barclays Premier League trophy on a special visit to The Christie in Manchester.

The Mexican striker toured the renowned cancer hospital and showed off the team’s famous silverware to patients in the teenage and young adult oncology unit. Former Reds midfielder Mickey Thomas joined Chicharito in signing autographs and chatting to football fans on the wards while coaching staff from the Manchester United Foundation engaged patients in a range of games to help promote the benefits of physical activity during their cancer treatment.

As one of the official charity partners of Manchester United, The Christie was a key destination on the club's 10-day local trophy tour of Manchester United Foundation projects, schools and supporters' clubs.

After posing for photos with patients and the Premier League trophy, Chicharito said: “I'm very happy, it's a pleasure to be here and visit these people. They unfortunately have some problems but hopefully with this visit and the trophy, we can make them happy today. That's the most important thing.

"It's very important for Manchester United players to visit places like The Christie because we can see another side of life. After all, we are very lucky, firstly because we're very healthy but also because we do what we love which is playing football. I've always said I'm a lucky guy.

"The patients were very happy to meet me and see the trophy. They enjoyed it and that's the most important thing."

Cancer patient Quang Pham, a 19 year-old from Hanoi, Vietnam studying in Manchester, said: "It's so amazing to meet Chicharito. He's my favourite player, I was just speechless when I saw him. I can't
believe I've had my picture taken with him and the Premier League trophy. Everyone at Christie's was really happy to see him here."

Jenny Haskey, head of corporate fundraising and sporting events at The Christie, added: "We were delighted Chicharito came to visit our teenage cancer patients and show off the trophy. These patients are going through the most difficult times of their lives so visits like these are a great motivational boost."
The trophy was later put on display at The Christie to allow other patients to have their photograph taken with it.

The official charity partnership between The Christie and Manchester United has raised more than £300,000 for the teenage and young adult cancer unit since 2007. For more information about The Christie charity, please visit www.christies.org.

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