The Christmas spirit was alive and well this afternoon at Princess Margaret Hospital.
West Coast star utility Brent Staker organised for teammates Andrew Embley, Adam Hunter, Ashley Hansen, Brett Jones and Mark Nicoski to pay a special visit to the PMH kids and spread some Christmas cheer.
Staker looked quite at home in the Santa hat, handing out early Christmas presents to children of all ages at PMH’s Megazone.
“The Santa Claus role is more foreign than the midfield at Subiaco Oval,” the big man joked. “It was great then just handing out all the presents and making the kids feel on top of the world. We’ve all had a great day.
“In particular Ash and I have sort of teamed up and we do the PMH stuff quite a bit. As a kid I was a little bit sick so it sort of hits home and it’s special to help other kids out.
“It’s very humbling to come here and help kids out, put a smile on their face and light up their day.
Fresh off the boat from an arduous four-day leadership camp at Rottnest, the boys were feeling a bit weary, but their spirits were immediately lifted by the happy faces and enthusiastic reception.
“I think everyone gets up for Christmas, it’s like us getting up for a game!” Staker laughed.
“Their spirits are fantastic, we come up here quite a few times a year, up to 12 visits a year and the kids are amazing. There’s never the same kids in here and every kid that we see has a great personality and is always vibrant and cheerful.”
