February 2011
Everton star Mikel Arteta returned to Alder Hey to officially open the restaurant he helped decorate.
In October, the Spaniard took time out to join members of staff from ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, to paint the new family section of the Oasis restaurant a nice shade of blue as part of a day of volunteering organised by the Blues’ official charity Everton in the Community.
Arteta said: “I always enjoy coming to Alder Hey and it was great to come back
to see the completed restaurant. All the staff have done a wonderful job and I think it looks terrific. It will make a real difference to the people who come to the hospital and that’s the important thing.”
Moya Sutton, Alder Hey Executive Nurse, added: “We were absolutely delighted that Mikel visited us to officially open our new family area in the restaurant. Thanks to the hard work of ACC Liverpool staff, our patients will now be able to benefit from enjoying mealtimes with their families away from the wards, in a much more relaxing environment. This achievement clearly highlights how working in partnership with organizations such as Everton in the Community and ACC Liverpool can make a real difference.”
Bob Prattey , CEO ACC Liverpool added: “The team at ACC Liverpool worked extremely hard to deliver this project, alongside our partners at Everton in the Community and Alder Hey. It’s an honour to be back here, to mark the official opening of this fantastic restaurant.’
Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Executive of Everton in the Community, commented: “I am delighted that through working in partnership with ACC Liverpool and Alder Hey we have been able to leave a lasting legacy for the benefit our local community.”