Wednesday 11 November 2015 11:41, UK
Leighton Baines was unveiled as the Alder Hey's latest patron and Sky Sports News HQ reporter Vinny O'Connor went to meet him.
Dressed in his Everton away shirt, nine-year old Kenzie Appleton officially welcomed Alder Hey's newest patron with a message of thanks.
From here it's easy to see why Leighton Baines has become such an avid supporter of the children's hospital during his eight years with Everton.
Five years ago Kenzie was diagnosed with a rare bone condition. In that time he has become one of Alder Hey's young fundraising ambassadors with the setting up of a Christmas toy appeal for other patients just one of his accomplishments.
So, as Baines joined Kenzie for the regular workshops put on by Everton In The Community each day for the patients, the England international described his continuing association with the hospital as an honour.
"The hard work is done by all the other people on a daily basis," he said. "I'm really proud to be a patron and hopefully there will be many more opportunities like this. I've done visits in the past. It's normally people who've written to the club and have got kids who are having a bit of a tough time, and if we can take time out of our day to put a smile on their face then the privilege is ours."
By becoming a patron of Alder Hey, Baines joins a list that includes Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Andrew Flintoff and AP McCoy. He laughs when I point out that all four have won major honours in their respective sports and he hasn't. But for how long with Everton targeting cup success?
"There's always a chance because we've got a good side and good players," Baines said. "We've got Middlesbrough in the League Cup and whoever wins is through to the semi-final so there's a good chance and we are focused on trying to do it."
Maybe the Capital One Cup could also inspire a surge up the Premier League table. Despite facing all of last season's top 8 in their opening 10 games, Baines admits there's a frustration they're slightly off the pace in terms of the European spots.
"We would hope to go on a run now. It's a great time to do it over the next few months and it puts you in a good position then to push on," he said.
"Getting into the Europa League is something we've achieved before, so, something we know is within our capabilities."
Baines also has the European Championships to aim for with England but first he has to win his Everton place back. Six months on from his last Premier League appearance following two ankle operations, the form of Brendan Galloway may give Roberto Martinez a decision to make.
"Brendan's been brilliant, there's great competition back there for us," said Baines.
"It's always nice to have people around who are pushing you. So that's another thing I've got be motivated by really and I plan on being in the best shape possible, putting myself forward and it's up to the manager from there.
