Wayne Rooney enlisted the help of son Kai to spread festive cheer at Alder Hey children's hospital recently.

Rooney made separate visits to hand over three cheques worth £250,000 each to good causes.

The Everton striker, who has scored 11 goals this season, uploaded a snap of himself and his eldest son wearing blue Santa hats with the caption: "My little helper Kai at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital."

The former England captain presented the cheques to Claire House, a children's hospice on the Wirral, Merseyside's famed Alder Hey children's hospital and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children after fund-raising by his own foundation.

Wayne Rooney and son Kai Alder Hey children's hospital (
Image:
Wayne Rooney/Instagram)
Rooney presents his cheque to David Pastor, chief executive of Claire House (
Image:
Barrington Coombs Photography)

The 32-year-old former England captain made separate visits this week to pass on the cheques and meet the children ahead of Christmas.

It shows the generous side of football, and also the softer side of Rooney.

He has done superb charity work throughout his long career with the Blues and Manchester United.

The star was touched by tragedy when wife Coleen’s younger sister Rosie died in 2013, aged just 14, from a rare brain condition.

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Wayne Rooney with the nurses of Ward 4A, Alder Hey Children’s Charity (
Image:
Barrington Coombs Photography)
Alex Modder children’s services manager at the NSPCC Hargreaves Centre in Liverpool (far right) plus staff, volunteers and young Evertonian fans receive WRF cheque. (
Image:
Anthony McArdle)

Earlier this year Rooney donated £100,000 to help victims of the Manchester bombing through his charity The Wayne Rooney Foundation.

In a statement, he said: “There are moments in life that instantly affect you and stop you in your tracks. Monday night was one of those occasions.

"Like so many others, I have enjoyed great nights at the arena, often with my family.

“As a father, I am horrified that a night out for so many young people could end so tragically. My heart goes out all those affected. Please give whatever you can.”

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