Liverpool striker in surprise visit to Flintshire school targeted by thieves

It’s not every day a Liverpool and England star walks into your school assembly hall – but that’s exactly what happened to a group of primary pupils earlier today.

Daniel Sturridge made an appearance to stunned 10 and 11-year-olds at St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School in Holywell.

The Liverpool FC striker was there on behalf of supermarket chain Sainsbury’s which had donated £500 worth of sport and play provisions after callous thieves stole equipment, six bikes and tricycles during a break-in over the Easter holidays.

Mandy Edwards, mum of four-year-old reception pupil Alfie, contacted Sainsbury’s to ask if they could pass on any unclaimed vouchers.

But the company went one better and sent along Sturridge, who is an ambassador for the firm’s Active Kids initiative which focuses on healthy food and healthy lifestyles, to present the equipment in person.

Relaxed and friendly throughout his two hour visit, he fielded questions from the excited students but batted off enquiries about where he might like to play in the future with a smile.

Headteacher Sian Jones-Evans said: “For the children to meet a Premiership footballer is a once in a lifetime experience, a dream come true.”

Ten-year-old Liverpool supporter Evan Merton was speechless when his hero walked in.

“I had no idea Daniel Sturridge was coming to school today,” he said. “It’s way too exciting having a Liverpool player come to our school and doing these activities and watching us play.”

With his mother, an aunt and an uncle all teachers, the Premiership star was keen to get across to the children how important a good education is.

“My mum was the school one and my dad was the football one,” he said. “So it was very much 50/50. I couldn’t slack on one of them.

“I was good in school but I had to be. I couldn’t let anyone down, so I did focus.

“To come to somewhere, I guess where it all began for myself, and to see someone here who could become a sports star in anything – it’s great to be here to see them.”

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