The two-time world heavyweight champion, who was born at Watford General, made a surprise visit to the children’s Starfish Ward to hand out gifts to youngsters and thank staff at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals Trust.
Surrounded by nurses after the visit, AJ said:
“I’m at Watford General, and I've seen at first-hand the amazing work these guys do. I've had some family members here that have been looked after diligently, and without the help of the staff here, I know things would have taken a nasty turn.
“So first and foremost, thank you on behalf of myself and the family. And then I get to see also what you guys are doing for people around the country. It's phenomenal. So, not only in Watford General, but the NHS across the country, you guys are all like, you guys are under-appreciated. Honest.
“We're here to appreciate you guys today.
“And I know it's not everything, but a small thing can hopefully lift up some of the people's spirits, you know what I'm saying? So, yeah, we come here to uplift some people's spirits, and long may it continue, and as we always say, it's the chain effect.
“Hopefully we inspire someone else to go out there somewhere in the UK and do the same thing. So guys, we love you and we appreciate you."
Following the visit, ward manager, Kerry Beasley, said: “It was magical to have Anthony on the ward. It gave everyone such a boost – both patients and staff.
“It can be a difficult time of year but today’s visit has re-energised people and lifted their spirits. To see the smiles on children’s faces is so heart-warming.
“He took a lot of time to talk to patients, staff and visitors and was so kind and generous. We couldn’t get him out at the end!”
AJ was born at Watford General in 1989 and has a long association with the hospital.
The morale boosting visit was co-ordinated by Clean Herts Community, a company set up by AJ dedicated to supporting young people in the Watford area where he grew up.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust covers a population of around 600,000, including Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.