World marathon record holder Mary Keitany, former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei among others joined sick children at Shoe4Africa Hospital in Eldoret for an early Christmas.
Led by Shoe4Africa founder Toby Tanser, the athletes donated various christas gifts for over 200 children admitted at facility located at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (TRH) the only public children’s hospital in the country.
Tanser said the donations were meant to cheer up the children currently admitted at the facility
“We are here with a purpose of supporting young children who will not enjoy Christmas with the rest of the family at home. We want to ensure that they get and celebrate just like what other people are doing outside the hospital,” said Tanser, the former runner.
“As athletes we have come to show our love to you and wish you quick recover. I hope by January next year all of will be discharged and go back home to resume learning in your schools, “said Ms Jepkosgei.
Mr Tanser, an author and former athlete based in New York hailed local athletes for joining him to show their love to sick children.
“This being the only children’s public hospital in East and Central Africa, we felt it necessary to visit and share with them the Christmas spirit and also wish them a quick recovery,” he said.
The athletes and other well-wishers donated foodstuff, stationaries among other things to children admitted at the facility.
The Shoe4Africa Foundation has also constructed four schools in the North Rift region, two in Nandi County and as many in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Moi Teaching and Referral chief executive Wilson Aruasa thanked Tanser, his foundation for consistent support to the hospital.