Phil and Julie's flying visit

6:40pm Monday 6th October 2008

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FOOTBALLER Phil Neville made a flying visit — quite literally — to Bolton School to thank pupils for raising money for a cause close to his and his family’s heart.

The Bolton-based Everton captain flew in by helicopter — an Agusta 109 Grand — to the cheers of hundreds of infant school children.

Along with his wife, Julie, Phil wanted to thank the children personally for supporting The New Children’s Hospital Appeal by donating £1 to wear their own clothes.

Phil and Julie, who are planning to move to a new mansion in Lostock, became patrons of The New Children’s Hospital Appeal after doctors at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, saved the life of their baby daughter Isabella, now aged four, when she was born 10 weeks prematurely.

They are now on a mission to raise £20 million.

The appeal aims to provide the new children’s hospital with modern equipment and to provide parental accommodation facilities.

The school also donated £500 for the non-uniform day, which will be held on Friday.

Phil, who also has a son Harvey, aged six, who attends the infant school, said: “It is very important for me to visit the school and thank the children for supporting the appeal and raising the money.

“Bolton School have been supporters of the appeal, raising the most amount of money last year.”

After explaining the difference the new hospital, due to open next year, would make, the pupils had a chance to quiz the Premiership footballer and his wife.