Anthony Joshua pays heartwarming visit to children’s ward at Watford hospital where he was born to hand out Christmas presents

British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua brought festive cheer to Watford General Hospital on Thursday afternoon, spreading smiles and goodwill among the children and staff at the Kids Starfish unit.

The two-time world heavyweight champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the department as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded to improve his home town of Watford.

The 35-year-old, who has a personal connection with the hospital – born there in 1989 – has a long history of giving back to the local community, and this Christmas visit was no exception.

Joshua spent hours in the ward, handing out gifts to young patients and sharing stories with their families before speaking exclusively to Mail Sport about his gesture.

“Today we visited Watford General Hospital,” AJ explained. “There were a few kids in the department. Some have serious illnesses and others went home today, which was nice to hear.

‘The purpose of the trip was to show them that we recognize them. We went there with some gifts to brighten their days. I always try to take myself back to when I was four years old, and if someone came with some presents, that would have made my day.

He was seen spreading smiles and goodwill among the children and staff of the Kids Starfish unit

The two-time world heavyweight champion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the department as part of his ongoing work with Clean Hearts Community, the local initiative he founded.

‘We also took down Sinterklaas. I’m sure those four year olds don’t even know who I am. Sinterklaas is the main attraction. When he gave them some presents, their faces lit up.”

He added: “Look, we’re local, so we thought we’d make it happen. And that was the whole purpose of this organization. To have these kinds of initiatives. When I first started looking for things to do and ways to give back, I found it difficult. It was difficult to find the right one.

‘So we decided to just do it ourselves and this was also something we ticked off today. Another way to bring some cheer and brighten up a children’s day. I hope it made some people’s day and I think it did, so that makes me happy.”

Pediatric counselor Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the department, especially on one young boy who woke up to find the boxing superstar at his side.

“The joy that Anthony has spread is truly healing,” she said. “The smile on that 10-year-old’s face was priceless.”

Department manager Kerry Beasley also expressed his gratitude, noting that Joshua’s visit boosted both staff and patients.

‘It’s great for everyone, both staff and patients. “It really improves morale and spreads the Christmas cheer,” she said. “We couldn’t get him out!”

This visit is just the latest in a long line of Joshua’s charitable efforts. His work with Clean Hearts Community, which aims to create opportunities for young people in Watford, has seen him launch a range of physical and educational programs this year, from football camps to cooking and science classes.

AJ, who has a personal connection with the hospital – having been born there in 1989 – has a long history of giving back to the local community, and this Christmas visit was no exception.

Joshua spent hours in the ward, handing out gifts to young patients and sharing stories with their families before speaking exclusively to Mail Sport about his gesture

Pediatric consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised the positive impact Joshua had on the department, especially one young boy who woke up to find the boxing superstar by his side

This visit is just the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by the 35-year-old heavyweight

His commitment to giving back to his community is unwavering, and his work during the coronavirus pandemic, donating 2,000 pieces of Under Armor gear to NHS staff, further underlines his commitment to supporting those working tirelessly on the frontline .

Joshua’s connection with Watford General Hospital runs deep. As well as being born there, he has visited the hospital all his life, even returning after his 2012 Olympic triumph to unveil the Leigh Warman mural in the children’s A&E department.

During this festive period, Joshua’s Christmas visit wasn’t just about presents: it was about spreading love and making sure the children and families at Watford General Hospital knew they were not alone.

Joshua previously shared his personal traditions during the holidays with Sky Sports. He said he doesn’t normally get a stocking and only treats himself to a glass of champagne every now and then on a quiet morning.

However, he showed a fondness for Home Alone, calling it his favorite holiday movie, and confessed that Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is his favorite festive tune.

This year, AJ plans to fully enjoy the festivities, unlike last December when he was deep in training for his Day of Reckoning fight against Otto Wallin. With the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury looming, he is considering his next steps following his loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley.